PS 3509 
.N57 B3 
1905 
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THE BAGLIONI 





A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS 



BY 



HENRY LANE ENO 



NEW YORK 

MOFFAT, YARD ^ COMPANY 
1905 




Copyright, 1905, 6y 
MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY 

Published September 1905 



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CHARACTERS 

GRIFONE or GRIFONETTO BAGLIONI 

FILIPPO BAGLIONI, a bastard, uncle of Grifonetto 

MARCANTONIO BAGLIONI, a relative of Grifonetto 

CARLO BARCIGLIA BAGLIONI, a relative of Grifonetto 

JERONIMO DELLA PENNA, a relative of Grifonetto 

ASTORRE BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's cousin 

GUIDO BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's cousin 

SIMONETTO BAGLIONI, Grifonetto' s coustn 

MARAGLIA, Marcantonio*s squire 

PIETRO VANUCCI, called il Perugino 

RAFFAELLO SANTI 

DEMETRIUS, an Alexandrine philosopher 

ATALANTA BAGLIONI, Grifonetto's mother 

ZENOBIA SFORZA, Grifonetto's wife 

LAVINIA COLONNA, Astorre's wife 

ZENOBIA'S MAID 

A SOLDIER 

A SERVANT 

A MAN-AT-ARMS 

Students, citizens, nobles, ladies, peasants, bravi, revellers, 
guards, etc., etc. 



THE BAGLIONI 



ACT I 



T 



THE BAGLIONI 
ACT I 

HE Piazza at Perugia in the year 1500 A.D. 
In the background the Palazzo Communale pre- 
sents its corner to the front of the stage, thus leav- 
ing, in perspective, the left facade to border upon 
a street ending in the square, and the right facade 
facing upon the square itself. Upon this side, from 
the large entrance in the centre of the building, 
projects a platform, raised upon open arches after 
the manner of a loggia, and from either end of 
which descends a flight of steps to the pavement. 
To the right, also in perspective, the wall and door- 
way of the Duomo of San Lorenzo. In the centre 
background the Great Fountain. As the curtain 
rises, the Cathedral bells chime the hour, while 
a troop of late revellers with lanterns and torches 
pass across the stage and disappear in the street 
which skirts the Palazzo Communale, leaving 
the square empty and silent in the starlit darkness 
which precedes a midsummer dawn. 

[I] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Enter Zenobia and Marcantonio. Both 

cloaked and hooded. 

Marcantonio 
Once more our long sweet night has come to end. 
Would I could fix the inevitable stars, 
And stay the morning's coming; hush the dawn 
To sleep again beneath the hills. 

Zenobia 

And I 
Would stretch the pitying veil of darkness o'er 
The world forever, could it always hide 
A rush of burning hours like these last 
Whose perfume still enwraps me lovingly. 
Yet would to God I'd never set my eyes 
Upon thee, Marcantonio! Never then 
Would I have known this maddened stolen joy; 
But never would I feel the agony 
Of vain implacable remorse. My cloak 
About me, close; the morning chills me. See, 
That cold-eyed star, it spies upon us here! 
Were those not steps ? Hark! No! I must be gone. 
Remember, Grifonetto comes to-day. 

Marcantonio 
Zenobia! If I only could forget! 
But when again } 

[2] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
No more. This is the last! 

Marcantonio 

You mean that I shall never kiss your eyes 
To sleep again — 

Zenobia 

No! 

Marcantonio 

Never feel your lips — 

Zenobia 
No! 

Marcantonio 

Never hold you in my arms ? 

Zenobia 

No, no! 
This is the very last. The last! Hear me! 
I love my Grifonetto. When he comes 
The sun of happiness will glance upon 
His helm; and when I look into his eyes 
I shall forget thee, Marcantonio; then 
Will all these nights but seem as evil birds 
Obscuring with their sombre flight the Hght 

[3l 



THE BAGLIONI 

Of my real love. Yet do I love you too, 
Antonio. How, I know not; but I do. 
Perhaps my soul is double — good and bad — 
And all my evil self cries out aloud 
For your hot kisses. Take me in your arms 
Again. I must go now. The very stones 
And battlements reproach me. Ah! my love. 
The memory of to-night will linger on 
To crimson with its radiant afterglow 
All dark and lonely days. 

Marcantonio 

This cannot be! 
You cry out love and yet would leave me now 
In this same breath. I too have loved him much. 
Your Grifonetto, yet I stake my life. 
His friendship, hopes of greatness, all my past. 
And all my future on one moment's hold 
Of our aiFection. 

Zenobia 
Yes, I know, I know! 
But it is too hard to Hve twice like this. 
To snatch and give two real affections. 
And cheat the Fates by sucking two Hves dry. 
It kills me. 

Marcantonio 
Once again. Come once again. 
t4] 



THE BAGLIONI 

I swear Fll not ask more, one more farewell 
And then oblivion. You'll promise this ? 
Then, when Astorre's wedding feast is done, 
ril sell my sword to Florence. 

Zenobia 

Yes, go now 
And I will promise. 

Marcantonio 
Swear to me you'll come. 
That once at least the light of my life's love 
Shall flame again before the darkness shuts 
Me out forever! 

[Sound of approaching guard.] 

Zenobia 
Yes! Here comes the guard. 

[Exit Zenobia quickly.] 

[Marcantonio draws into shadow as 
guard passes by.] 

Marcantonio 
Good! She is safe. They've gone the other way. 
Here then's the end. It seems impossible 
That these same stars shall look but once again 
Upon our loves, that these same sheltering walls 
Shall echo never more our whisperings. 
Ah, silent square! How many treacheries 

[5] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Have you not overheard; what secret vows 

Of guilty lovers whose impassioned steps 

Have pressed hot on your frozen cheeks; what tears 

Have fallen on unsympathetic stones; 

How often has the criminal been dragged 

Across your sunny face to judgment seat! 

Yet never has your cold and sightless gaze 

Proved more discretion to the eager stars, 

Nor e'er your dumbness been a better friend. 

[Exit Marc ANTONIO.] 

By this time morning has begun, and the stage is 
gradually growing lighter. 

Enter and exeunt a peasant hoy driving his sheep 
to market, playing on his flute; peasants with their 
produce, also citizens with garlands and decorated 
hangings, banners bearing the Red Griffin of Perugia, 
etc., etc. — Enter more citizens who greet each other. 

First Citizen 
'Tis a glorious day for Astorre to lead home his 

^^ ^* Second Citizen 

Aye, and men say that Lavinia Colonna is as fair 
as this new morning. 

First Citizen 
So well may she be, and still be no ill mate for 
our Astorre. 

[6] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Third Citizen 
Our Astorre, forsooth ! Would he were the devil's ! 
Never have I seen such a brood as these Baglioni. 
And now they must needs bring home another 
woman for fresh tyrant spawn! 

First Citizen 
Hush, man! The dungeon yawns for thy seditious 
carcass. 

Second Citizen 

Come! To work! The whole town's to be 
adorned. Garlands waving over the streets, banners 
from the towers, and these hangings from the bal- 
conies. Perugia must not be ashamed to-day. She 
needs her bravest show, for there be foreigners 
a-plenty, Siennese and Florentines. 

Second Citizen 
Aye, and Colonna and Orsini from Rome! 

Third Citizen 
When did not our fooHsh folk love best of all a 
sight and a procession ? As if the saints did not keep 
us all busy, without spending good hours truckling 
to the nobles. 

First Citizen 
A plague on thee! Cannot thy sour face relax 
once in a month ? 

[7] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Second Citizen 
Yet 'tis true, alas, that ever since the Oddi were 
banished, the city has been ground down more day 
by day. 

Third Citizen 

Aye, and the pranks of that young scapegrace, 
Grifonetto. [Shepherd, who has reentered, plays a 
lively air on his flute.] Stop thy foolish piping, or 
ril stop up thy throat. [Advances threateningly to 
shepherd, who dances away piping merrily. Crowd 
laughs.] 

First Citizen 

Come, come! My grandparents once told me 
long ago that you were young yourself before the 
nobles rose to power. 

[Citizens laugh again.] 

Third Citizen 
Laugh on, but when one of these fine blades runs 
off with thy daughter, or robs thy hard-earned gains, 
with a prick of the rapier in thy fat sides, the 
laugh will be the other way. 

Second Citizen 
But Grifonetto is far too fond of his beautiful 
wife to look at anybody's daughter. I saw them, 
'twas but yesterday, in the palace gardens. Grifo- 

[8] 



THE BAGLIONI 

netto was so fair he looked like another Ganymede 
— and Zenobia was not a whit less lovely. Indeed 
they appeared like two angels of Paradise walking 
in the sun. 

Fourth Citizen 

As for me, I care not for the rest, but I love this 
young Grifone. You mind how he fought, when 
the Oddi rushed the gates — single-handed against 
a multitude. And he is gentle with it all, and 
learned. Every stranger who visits Perugia asks 
first of all to meet Grifonetto. 

[Exit 3D Citizen muttering angrily.] 

First Citizen 

And yet our friend has much of right in what he 
says. These handsome Baglioni, God knows, are 
a most rapacious breed. 

Second Citizen 
Hark! Are those not horns? 

[Hunting-horns without.] 

First Citizen 

Aye, 'tis Grifonetto returning. I marvel that the 
Lady Zenobia is not awake betimes to meet her 
master; they say that they're a loving couple, and 

[9] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto, for all his pranks, is after all a fair and 
noble lord. 

[Again hunting-horns without. It is 
now broad daylight.] 

Enter Filippo, Carlo, and Jeronimo 
tn riding costume. 

Carlo 
It seems we are the first. 

Jeronimo 

Ask these good men. 

Carlo {to Citizens) 
Have any seen my lord Grifone here '^. 

First Citizen 
We have just come upon the square. No one 
Was here before. 

Jeronimo 
Then have v^e outrun him. 

Carlo 
Already can I feel the ring of crowns 
Within my purse. 

Jeronimo 
At least he pays his debts. 

[10] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLlPPO (who has been standing apart abstractedly \ 

watching the citizens depart, all of whom \ 

have now left the stage). 
Aye, he will pay. But will he play ? i 

Carlo j 

What's that? j 

FiLIPPO I 

Your little minds are full of Httle crowns. j 

But if you will give over children's things j 

ril give you men and states to gamble with. i 

] 
Jeronimo 

What's in the wind .? 

Carlo 

There's something new at last ? 

FiLIPPO i 

Just this. If we can drag Grifone in — i 

With him we can succeed. Drive out the rest — ' 

All the Baglioni, seize their stored-up wealth, 

And we can sway the town as Triumvirs, i 

Like leaders of old time. But we must find 

A wedge to set these men against themselves. ; 

We must have Grifonetto in our hands. 

Once ours — well! Leave him to his fate and me, 

We three, the tyrants of Perugia then, , 

What can we not accompHsh at the last! I 

[II] ; 



THE BAGLIONI 

No more the hangers-on of noble kin, 
But lords of right, our coffers full of gold, 
Backed by the aid of countless men at arms! 

Carlo 
Why not persuade him ? You've a ready tongue. 

FiLIPPO 

Yet I have wasted more good rhetoric 
And brilUant argument upon that youth — 
He greeted every v^ord w^ith mockery. 
And then refused point blank to listen more. 

Jeronimo (sarcastically) 
Yes, try your eloquence again. 

Carlo 

Well then ? 

FiLIPPO 

But I have something better than mere wit. 
I have a hold to twist him to our way 
In spite of all his pride and loyalty. 

Carlo 
Out with it. 

FiLIPPO 

Two short summer days ago 
I crossed this square before the earliest dawn 
In haste to join you on the hunt. You both, 

[12] 



THE BAGLIONI 

With Grifonetto (you remember well), 
Had gone already when the night was young. 
Not heeding much my steps I well-nigh ran 
Upon a woman muffled to the eyes. 
She sped into the arcade yonder. 

Carlo 

And — 
Jeronimo 
You sped on after her as usual. 

FiLIPPO 

I did not. She had screamed. 

Carlo 

O noble knight! 

FiLIPPO 

I knew her voice. It was Zenobia! 

Jeronimo 

Ah! 
Carlo 
Now by the gods; then it is really true! 

Jeronimo 
So that is why our Marcantonio here 
Cared nothing for the hunt, was tired of boars. 
And spears, and horses, weary of the horns 
Whose very braying bruised his gentle ears. 
But never would Grifone credit it. 

[13] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Believe it ? No! But not a word of this 
Must flutter out. We know that it is so; 
That is sufficient. Time will do the rest. 
Slow poison of suspicion gently poured 
Into unwilling ears, increasing hints, 
Sly innuendoes, then, the day being ripe 
And fortune favouring, the clinching proofs — 
And he is ours. But look you well, my friends, 
That your own parts are not too overdone. 

[Hunting-horns without.] 
Carlo 
There sound his horns. 

FiLIPPO 

Remember, not too fast! 

[More horns.] 

Enter GrIFONETTO (with riding whip) 

Grifonetto 
Lost! lost! My hundred golden crowns are gone 
To feed you vultures. Yet how I did ride! 
The sparks from off our hoofs did shame the stars. 
The dawn's swift shafts scarce crept upon my pace, 
And when the morning caught me up at last 
I fled before my shadow like the wind. 
You see, I cast no shadow. It still rides 
Alone, fast following outside the gates. 

[14] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Carlo 
And yet we've won! 

Grifonetto 
In truth I felt ashamed 
At your poor empty purses, so I went 
Three times about the walls for exercise — 
And then you all sHpped in. 

Jeronimo 

Gods! Can he boast ? 

Grifonetto 
No, 'tis the very truth! But here's your gold! 

[Tosses purse.] 
Two days have gone and my Zenobia still 
Awaits her lover. 

[Others exchange glances.] 

FiLIPPO 

Nay, first politics. 
Then love. We've serious matter for you here. 

Grifonetto 
Not these same foolish plans I've heard before ? 

FiLIPPO 

They're neither fooHsh, nor have you well heard. 

[15] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
Then Fll not listen to such villainy 

FiLIPPO 

Tut, Grifonetto! Save those mighty thoughts 
For some more fitting time. We plan revolt, 
Not treachery. Too long have many kings 
Ruled over this one state. Too many lords 
From one great clan have trampled on the rights 
Of our poor citizens and drenched these streets 
With bloody brawls and family quarrelling. 

Jeronimo 
For we, in truth, desire that Hght of peace 
Which has so long forgot to shine upon 
Our strife-bedarkened city. 

Carlo 

Hearken, cousin! 
Long have we thought of this. Keep down your 

haste. 
And when Filippo here has done, why then 
Release your steeds of wrath. But well I know 
When you have heard the whole, their fiery heads 
Will need no holding rein. 

Filippo 

May I proceed ? 

[i6] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
Proceed! I will reserve my mind. 

Carlo 

Good so. 

FiLIPPO 

In brief the plan is this. To rid the town 
Of many warring masters, and to place 
In lieu of them one ruler paramount. 
The citizens, as you well know, esteem 
Thy kin a pestilential brood. With joy 
And acclamations they will welcome here 
A wise and kindly lord, who would protect 
The state from strife within and foes without. 
Once seize all the Baglioni, except thou 
And Carlo here, swift banish them beyond 
The confines of dependent states, and then. 
The wolves all gone, a single Griffin Lord 
Would rule with haughty crest and iron claws. 
The state would prosper fast. See how our 

friend. 
Fair Florence, blossomed when the Medici 
Sat on her ducal throne. So would we bloom 
And flower o'er the land of Italy, 
Till Rome herself should tremble on her hills, 
And Peter's chair should wait on Umbria. 

[17] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
Well spoken, good Filippo! True, your plot 
Walks masquerading in a brave disguise. 
Crowned with the gentle wreath of peace, and clad 
In glowing garments of prosperity. 
But still it seems I see a rebel's heart 
Beneath this fine array. But tell me more. 
Who shall the Griffin be to sit so high 
Above the crowd ? Who is this Emperor ? 
This Httle Caesar of the hills ? 

Filippo 

Yourself! 



Jeronimo 



Thou art the man! 



Carlo 
A crown Hes at your feet! 

Grifonetto 
Ah ! Now I know that you are traitors all. 
So! You would tempt me with a pretty crown? 
As if I were a babe and thou the nurse, 
Filippo, saying: "Come and see the shine 
Of dancing sunlight. Stretch thy hands and grasp 
The glittering thing." So yearned I for the moon 
When I was scarcely weaned. 

[i8] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Fine biting words! 
But it is not the show alone of pomp, 
The empty symbol of a power unreal 
We offer here to you. Away with crowns, 
Or even laurel leaves! Remain a knight, 
A simple man at arms; no foolish terms. 
Plain Grifonetto for the mighty lord 
Of our new Umbrian state; but at his name 
Each neighbouring duke, count, prince — aye, every 

one. 
Shall rock upon his tawdry little throne. 

Grifonetto 

Words, words, Filippo, traitorous lies each one. 
The stars show no such future state. Besides, 
Here's one Baglioni has his honour left. 
Go spread your crowns and gleaming villainies 
Before some better purchaser. Your price 
Is not quite high enough. Have you not yet 
Something still more alluring in your wares .? 
Pontifical tiaras, diadems, 
Dictatorships, or else the emperor's throne ? 
My faith is still for sale — a sHght advance 
And there you have me fast. 

[19] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

It pleases you 
To jest. 

Carlo 
Reserve thy wit for other times 
More fitting. This is solemn as the Mass. 

Grifonetto 
Aye, by the Mass it is; and by the Mass 
And every holy thing you can profane 
By thinking on, I'll speak you solemn words. 
Had I but known that these companions here — 
My kinsman, Carlo; and Jeronimo, 
Filippo, uncle by the blood — In truth 
If I had ever dreamt that they were false, 
I would have slain them all this very night. 
Before they could pollute my city's streets 
With their black-hearted shadows. Treachery! 
That thing which grows like a foul thunder-cloud 
To burst at last in bloody rain! That thing 
Which fires men's minds with madness; stifles love 
And honour; turns us into human beasts. 
Go! leave me, lest I make you pay a price 
In bitter coin for tempting me. Away! 
Off with your crowns to other marts. Away! 
And if I catch a sound of this again. 
Though lightest whisper on the morning air, 

[20] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Not all our friendship in the past will save 
Your bodies from the headsman, or your souls 
From hell! 

FiLIPPO 

[Sarcastically.] Your words shall be obeyed, my lord. 
Bow slaves! [The three men how mockingly i\ 

FiLiPPO, Carlo, and Jeronimo {together) 

Farewell, my righteous lord, we'll try 
Again ! 

Jeronimo 

Leave him. He's dangerous. 

Carlo 

Mind thee, 
Good cousin, treachery lurks nearer home. 
Look for it there — this thunder-cloud — blood — 
rain. 

Jeronimo 

My friend, learn well that ill word treachery. 
It sometimes is domesticated here. 
We three are bachelors. It never rains! 

Grifonetto 
Bah! You are jealous of my happiness. 

[21] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Carlo 
Who would not be — 

Jeronimo 
With such a wife as yours! 

FiLIPPO 

The whole wide city of Perugia teems 
With envy of Zenobia's husband. 

Carlo 

Ah! 

Grifonetto {sarcastically) 
The courtier, not the conspirator, 
Speaks now. It more becomes you. 

FiLIPPO 

So men say. 
Grifonetto 
And yet for once the courtier speaks truth. 
Where Hves another hke Zenobia ? 
Who else is fairer than the morningtide 
When dawn speeds Hghtfoot on the summer hills ? 

Carlo (cynically) 
And who is so unworthy as yourself 
Of all this blessedness ? 

Grifonetto 

Indeed who is ? 

[22] 



THE BAGLIONI 

I love my life, which, after all is said. 
Lasts but a moment long! We love red wine; 
Eh, Carlo? And the dice, and others' wives! 
And when night comes, a forage and a song. 
But then I love Zenobia so much more. 

FiLIPPO 

And we three love Perugia better yet 
Than all our mistresses. 

Grifonetto 

I love her too. 
Ah, my Perugia! What unpitying fates 
Hunt fast and hard. Thou art so strong, so fair, 
Yet ever hangs the blackened veil of strife 
Between thee and the peaceful sun. Each year 
This wretched square runs with thy children's 

blood. 
The dayhght shines on deadly brawls, the stars' 
Thin beam falls on the murderer's blade. And now 
You tell me I can win for thee the prize 
Of peace and freedom, under iron rule 
Firm wielded by this master hand. You're wrong. 
The means are everything, the end is naught. 
Nor ever yet has foul play wrought fair deed. 
Peace bought of treachery is worse than war. 
Go visions; for, like all this rolling world, 

[^3] 



THE BAGLIONI 

You are but dreams. Beyond stands out the law 
Immutable. God help my keeping it! 

[Grifonetto turns and walks slowly 
to the fountain rail, on which he leans 
absorbed in thought^ 

Carlo (^yawning) 
Let*s off. Here come the students. 

[Enter students with Perugino and 
Raffaello.] 

Jeronimo 

Away then. 
Grifone's solemn as a morning owl. 

FiLIPPO 

I never saw him so sedate. {To Perugino) Greet- 



ings! 



[Exeunt FiLippo, Carlo, and Jeron- 
imo, exchanging salutes with Peru- 
gino and students as they pass^ 



Raffaello 
Who is that thoughtful knight ? 



Perugino 

Know'st thou him not ? 
[24] 



THE BAGLIONI 

'Tis Grifonetto, noblest of our young 
Perugians. 

Grifonetto (turning suddenly, awakening 
from his reverie) 

Who calls out my name so loud ? 
It is Maestro Vanucci, by my soul! 
And these his faithful band of neophytes. 
How go the frescoes, master ? Does your brush 
Still Hghtly sketch things secular, or does 
It spread abroad the immortal pictured fame 
Of our old town in work for Holy Church — 
Sweet saints and meritorious martyrdoms ? 

Perugino 
Nay, Grifonetto, I am still upon 
The paintings of the Cambio; but helped much 
By my young friends here. 

Grifonetto 

Who is this young man 
In scarlet cap — the one with golden hair ? 

Perugino 
He's my best pupil — Raffaello. 

Grifonetto 
Ah! 
I've heard of him. 

[25] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Perugino 
Thou'lt hear of him again, 
And still again. The years will not be long 

[As Perugino converses, other students 
enter Palazzo Communale.] 

When Italy will ring with him. Mark well: 
Of all the youths my skill has ever taught 
He is the ablest. Such fidelity! 
Such eye for colour! Such sweet grace of line! 
In future times 'twill be the proudest boast 
Of old Vanucci that this gifted youth 
Learned from his hand. 

Raffaello 

I pray you not so much! 
My shame will overcome me. 

Grifonetto 

A truce, man! 
Such vast embarrassment of praise would turn 
The head of many a dainty courtier. 
But why should learned Hps converse of me ? 

[Turning and laying his hand on Peru- 
GiNo's shoulder^ 
What said my master, there, of all the arts ? 
Ah ! I can hear him : " See that youthful knight, 

[26] 



THE BAGLIONI 

'Tis Grifonetto, wild young cub, who roams 
The byways after dark; a ready smile 
For every pretty wench, a ready blade 
To prod the burgher*s fattening ribs, an eye 
Too keen for quarrels, too fond taste for wine. 
A knee that bends to no man, and not much 
To God. A falcon of his fiery brood! 
Beware of him when once the sun has based 
His order-loving beams behind the hills. 
And faint light-minded torches cast their rays 
To lead home nobles, revellers, and thieves! 
He's a Baglioni, trust him not indeed! 
Draw back and let the condottierri pass! 
Draw back and give the robber lords good room! 
The roisterers care no more for your young flesh 
Than eagles mind the hare. No! not a breath. 
A jostle and the swords are out. A word. 
And one more corpse blocks up the narrow lane! 
The merry revellers stream on their way. 
While you lie there till dogs or watchmen come 
To carry off your limbs to sepulture. 
Then have a care, whene'er with torch and plume 
The mad BagHoni walk beneath the stars. 
Seek out the friendly shade till they have gone! 
Is not this true, friend Raffaello, say ? 
Was it not thus good Perugino spoke ? 

[27] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Raffaello 
Not so, my lord; he said not thus indeed, 
But to the contrary. That you were brave 
And fair, most knightly of the nobles here 
In his Perugia. 

Grifonetto 
Best of painters all, 
I crave your pardon. These are heaping coals 
Upon a foolish head. Yet you are v^rong. 
Astorre's fairer, Simonetto's heart 
Is twice as brave, and Marcantonio's soul 
Is fuller far of chivalry than mine. 

Perugino 
Nay, Grifonetto, I meant what I said. 
Brave are the great Baglioni, every one, 
But you are kindher than them all. 

Grifonetto 

Hush, friend, 
Lest I grow angry. Yet, whatever of grace 
Or charity there may be in my heart 
I owe not to myself. No honour here 
Is due for any ornament of mind. 
But to Zenobia, fairest of the saints, 
Whose life is decorated with all gifts 

[28] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Of virtue and of beauty; whose sweet soul 
Has so perchance shed down its light upon 
My poor unworthy love, that I have caught 
Some echo of its radiance. For her 
Pour out your generosity of praise, 
My Perugino; her from whom even now 
I have delayed my coming far too long! 

Perugino 

We, also, should be well upon our way. 
Farewell! My greeting to your noble wife 
Zenobia. 

Raffaello 

And may I as well, my lord. 
Dare also send a greeting ? 

[Perugino and Raffaello start up 
steps of Palazzo Communale.] 



It shall be given. 



Grifonetto 

That thou may'st. 



Enter Servant in the livery of 
the Baglioni. 

Who's this of my house ? 
[29] 



THE BAGLIONI 
Servant 
My lord Grifone, messengers do scour 
The town and scan the gates to search for you, 
Sent by my lady. 

Grifonetto 
What! She is not ill? 

Servant 
Not so, my lord, but anxious for the sight 
Of your return, for which she has now watched 
Since earUest dawn. 

Grifonetto 
Do thou return to her 
And say I ride upon a storm of haste. 

[Tosses gold piece to Servant.] 
Here's guerdon for thy luck in finding me. 

\Exit Servant.] 
See, good Vanucci! Does the world hold aught 
So true and kind as my Zenobia ? 
Nay, stay me not. The swift breath of the morn 
Blows not half fast enough to waft me there, 
Were I a pinioned hawk, instead of this 
Poor sluggish leaden-footed creature man. 

\Exit Grifonetto.] 
[30] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Perugino {whoy with Raffaello, has reached 
the platform at head of palace steps.) 
Now mark thee, Raffaello, he is doomed. 
The gods love Grifonetto far too well! 

[Exeunt (hy door into Palazzo Com- 
munale) Perugino and Raffaello 
leaving the stage empty.] 

Bells chime the morning hour. 

CURTAIN. 



[31] 



THE BAGLIONI 
ACT II 



T 



ACT II 

HE great reception Hall in Atalanta's palace, 
upon the evening of the same day. Stone walls 
hung with tapestries; heavy wooden ceiling with 
painted beams; tall bronze candelabra; large table; 
chairs covered with velvet and embroidery. Doors 
to the right thrown open. Large windows with 
curtains drawn in the rear. A murmur of voices 
is heard. AsTORRE, GuiDO, Grifonetto, Si- 

MONETTO, FiLIPPO, CaRLO, JeRONIMO, AtA- 

LANTA, Lavinia, and Zenobia are conversing 
together in groups, or surrounding attentively 
Demetrius, who in a long fur-trimmed robe is 
seated in the centre of the stage. The whole com- 
pany are in elaborate indoor dress; the men un- 
armed. 

Enter Marcantonio. 

Marcantonio 
Am I too late again ? Is that the one — 
The wise man from the Isles of Greece — who's said 

[35l 



THE BAGLIONI 

To know his Plato, Aristotle, all 
Our new philosophy as well, indeed, 
As condottierri know their swords ? 

Atalanta 

'Tis true. 
And you shall hear the words which, fair and wise. 
Flow in his speech with limpid streams that clothe 
The subtlest thought in beauty, yet hide naught 
Of the intent. 

Lavinia 
And he can decorate 
Some solemn theme with such a wealth of grace 
That, like the temples in his native land. 
All men will marvel at its outward show. 
While deep and holy things are held within. 

Carlo 
By all the gods, what wisdom from fair lips! 
Must nature in this newest age of ours. 
Strew every lavish favour on our wives 
And mothers ? Beauty and devotion cling 
To them already. Must our learning too 
Be snatched away from us ? 

Atalanta 

Not while we have 
[36] 



THE BAGLIONI 

So great a champion as our new sage. Come! [To 

Marcantonio.] 
Thy bow to wisdom first! 

Marcantonio 

We welcome you, 
Demetrius. Now that the kindly star 
Of learning rises ever higher here, 
And sheds abroad a widening beam 
Of gentle light upon our land, we greet 
With joy all scholars; be they strange 
Or long well known. But most of all we hail 
One who can claim for birthplace that great land 
Of Greece, the foster-mother of our minds. 

Demetrius 
There speaks the voice of learning, the kind bond 
Which joins, as in a single kin, all those 
Who know the fellowship of intellect. 
Oft has the wandering scholar heard its words 
Of welcome, but not ever since the time 
Far gone when melancholy Sappho sang 
Her odes to listening maids, and greetings fell 
From her soft lips upon the visitors 
To rocky Lesbian shores — not since those days 
Has hospitality borne fairer form. 
Or wisdom graced more beauty with her crown. 

l37] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Carlo {to Jeronimo) 
In sooth, old age has not forgot his wit! 

Lavinia 
Great master, if your deep philosophy 
Can teach such winsome speech, I marvel much 
That these young warriors do not give up 
All their pursuits, and study to be wise. 

Demetrius 
Fair damsel, when the hair is white, and when 
The rusty sword has long hung on the wall. 
Then Wisdom comes with her eternal youth 
To quicken sluggish heart-beats. But the path 
Leads up a weary mountainside of years. 
Ah! once there was a time I would have scorned 
To rest when so much beauty stood close by, 
For even in our Greece the marble forms 
Which teach us of the ancient days do not 
Contain the only loveliness. 

Zenobia 

Tell us, 
I beg, about your native isles. 

Marcantonio 

Aye, tell 
How first you came to tread the stony path 

[38] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Of learning, for at last we, too, would find 

The way. 

Demetrius 

The road to wisdom, gentle friends. 
Leads first through doors of sorrow, Hke to those 
Twin ivory gates which lead to sleep and death. 
Sung by that greatest bard Virgilius. 
But know, when I was young, the Infidel 
Had ravished all our land. (E'en yet, I hear, 
He bids a bold defiance to the fleets 
Of lordly Venice.) So we were all poor 
And terror-stricken. Scarce dared venture we 
From out our mountain fastnesses. And yet 
My father was a worthy man of note. 
Much learned and wise. Oft would he tell to me 
Tales of our ancient brilHancy, when Greece 
Was torchhght for the world. This was at night. 
Beneath the steepled pines, or by the fire 
In winter time. By day I roamed the hills 
To guard the sheep from wolves and Saracens. 
Now, one deep noontide, when I slept, my sheep 
About me grazing in the sun, a pipe. 
Sweet shrilling on the hillside, wakened me. 
And there before me stood a stately maid, 
As beautiful as dawn. In silence, first. 
She gazed at me, and then the winged words 
Flew from her Hps. "Awake, Demetrius! 

[39] 



THE BAGLIONI 

A second time Greece calls a listening world. 

Her gods are not all dead, nor all forgot 

Her poets and philosophers. Learn thou 

Of them, and carry far and wide the fire 

Of their wise burning words." Once more the plaint 

Of unseen reeds pierced the still mountain air, 

And she was gone. Then did I know, in truth, 

Athena lived again; and from that time 

My life has been one long obedience 

To her divine request. 

Atalanta 
A noble task! 

Demetrius (rising) 
And now I bid you all farewell, for soon 
Comes heavy-lidded sleep to men of years. 

Lavinia 
Then let us be your escort while we may! 

[A servant has entered hearing an 
embossed and gilded leathern case 
which Demetrius opens, disclosing 
a large crystal goblet with elaborately 
chased ivory base and holder^ 

Demetrius 
One moment! I had near forgot the gift 
To our fair bride. It is an humble one. 
Nor gold nor precious stones have I amassed 

[40] 



THE BAGLIONI 

In my life's wanderings — only some few 
And meagre treasures of the mind. But this 
Was given me by a Moorish sorcerer 
Whom I befriended when he fled from Spain. 
'Tis said whoever drinks from it upon 
The stroke of midnight sees the secret acts 
Of enemies, the treacheries of friends, 
The true complexion of a lover's heart. 

Lavinia {receiving the goblet and placing it upon 

the table y where the guests admire it) 
A hundred thanks. Upon the stroke of twelve 
ril quench my thirst and prove Astorre's mind. 

Marcantonio 
A work of supererogation. 

SiMONETTO 

'Twould need no magic to assay such love. 

[Exeunt Demetrius and guests laugh- 
ing and talking, escorted by attendants 
with torches to light the dark outer 
passages, leaving Filippo, who is 
examining the goblet, and Carlo, 
who lags behind the rest. (Zenobia 
and Marcantonio pass out last of 
the retiring throng, lingering a 
scarcely perceptible moment at the 
threshold.)] 
[41] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
To-night! 

Zenobia 
To-night! 
[Exeunt Marcantonio and Zenobia] 

FiLiPPO (half to himself) 
Suppose the midnight bells should ring upon 
Our Grifonetto drinking in this cup, 
They'd sound a bitter symphony to him. 

Carlo 
What's that? 

FiLiPPO (setting down goblet) 

Stay, here's another wedding gift. 

[Carlo returns as Filippo picks from 
the table a sealed packet.^ 

Carlo 
But this is sealed! 

FiFiPPO (breaking packet) 

So are the gates of heaven. 
[Extracting a small ivory plaque.] 
Vanucci! by the fates! Our painter's soul 
Has quite forgot for once his golden pence. 

Carlo 
Perhaps he sees a future customer. 

[42] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Perhaps. It is a pretty bauble. See! 

[Showing it to Carlo.] 
The two poor guilty lovers and the book, 
Fresh slipped from our immortal Dante's verse, 
Clasped in each other's arms. 

Carlo 

'Tis charming. 

FiLIPPO 

Strange! 
How like Zenobia's headdress. 

Carlo 

True. Indeed 
He must have copied it — she wore the same 
To-night. 

FiLIPPO (thinking) 
And Marcantonio, what wore he ? 

Carlo 
I know not; what of that .? 

FiLIPPO (eagerly) 

Think, think! 
Was nothing recognizable about 
His doublet, cloak, hose, anything ? 

Carlo 

You're mad! 
[43l 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Yes, if you like, but think — his doublet ? 

Carlo 

No — 
Quite usual. p^^^^^^ 

His cloak ? 

Carlo 

The same. 

FiLIPPO 

His hose ? 
Carlo 
His hose ? I have it; they were striped across 
In red and white like this. 

FiLIPPO 

I mind it now. 
Astorre twitted him about the mode. 

Carlo 
And Marcantonio said they came last week 
From Paris, where they were the fashion now — 

FiLIPPO 

And no one else had worn such yet. 

Carlo 

Those were 
His very words. 

[44] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Quick ! Where's a pen, a knife ? 
Quick, anything! 

Carlo 
Here, take my knife! 

FiLiPPO {taking up the painted ivory and marking it) 

Scratch lines. 
So. Prick my arm. A Httle blood to mark 
The colouring. Rub it well in — more — good! 
Now have we Dante's criminals in love 
Stamped with the very guise of our two friends 
Zenobia and her Marcantonio. 

Carlo 
What are you driving for ? 

FiLIPPO 

Wait, you shall see! 
Now give the goblet and your knife again. 
A little paring and the disk will fit. 

[Paring ivory plaque until it fits the 
goblet, into the bottom of which he 
inserts it.] 
The wine-flask now. Fill up the crystal cup. 

[Handing the filled goblet to Carlo.] 
Gaze in before you drink. What do you see .? 

[45] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Carlo (taking cup and looking in, astonished) 

Deep down within the amber wine they float, 

Zenobia and Marcantonio 

Clasped swaying in each other's arms! 

FiLIPPO 

Ha! Ha! 

The gods play in our hands to-night. 

Carlo 

The Devil! 

FiLIPPO 

'Tis all the same. God made the Devil 

Carlo 

And 
The Devil made Filippo — finished work 
Of art. 

[Noise of returning guests.] 

FiLIPPO 

True! Here they come. Set down the cup 
There, in the selfsame spot. Toss me those dice. 
We've stolen a moment more to gamble in. 

[As company enters Filippo and Carlo 
are discovered tossing dice.] 
[46] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Atalanta 
Inveterate gamblers! Has the mind's bright gold 
No charms for your poor souls ? 

Carlo 

He's beaten me 
Until the only gold I have is such — 
Mind ducats, mental crowns, imaginings. 

FiLippo {to Grifonetto) 
How beautiful Zenobia is to-night! 
Her headdress so becomes her. 

Grifonetto 

Does it not ? 
It is an ancient one, long handed down; 
Some say a Sforza wore it in the days 
When Dante languished in Ravenna. 

Carlo (to Marcantonio) 

Ah! 
How brave our warrior grows in French array. 
Trans-Alpine fashions, fancy striped hose! 

Marcantonio 
I know you're jealous, of my finery. 

Carlo {to Grifonetto) 
Look at this coxcomb. How his limbs are built 

[47] 



THE BAGLIONI 

In sections like the columns on the front 
Of the Palazzo. 

Marcantonio 
Yet they look at least 
As if they would support a man, whilst yours, 
Good cousin Carlo, they were bought, methinks, 
A bargain from some hungry Jew! 

[Some of the young men have strolled 
to the table and are drinking.] 

ASTORRE (to SiMONETTO) 

Your health. 

GuiDO (to Grifonetto) 
A health to the new bride. 

Carlo (to Grifonetto who has picked up the 
crystal goblet) 

Stop, cousin, stop! 

Grifonetto 
Why stop ? 

Carlo 
I would not drain that crystal cup 
For all the wealth of Venice. 

GuiDO 

Tell us why. 

[48] 



THE BAGLIONI \ 

Carlo J 

Why ? See you not the goblet is all carved | 
With mysteries, crissed-crossed with pentagrams, 
And matters astrological ? 

Grifonetto (holding it up to light) \ 

But what of that ? ^^^^ '''• j 

Carlo (mysteriously) \ 
It is a magic cup. 

Gaze in it and you see the future. | 

GuiDO ^ 

Well! I 
Carlo 

The gods show nothing good or beautiful | 

To those who pry into their secret thoughts. ) 

FiLIPPO 

Perchance thou art afraid to rend the veil ? ^ 

Grifonetto \ 

Fear is a word was lost when I was born. \ 

Can I not fight the future as the past ? I 

Carlo (approaching Grifonetto and chanting in a | 

low voice) I 

"With swords you fight, j 

The Pope with bulls, I 

But I fight with my tongue." j 

[49] I 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
What riddle's that ? 

Carlo 
Why, we three conquerors 
Should then be friends, thyself, the Pope and I! 

Grifonetto 
Is that all ? 

Carlo 

Nay, then, gaze within the cup. 
(Chanting.) A lady and a gentleman 
Upon a starlit square; 
And there's a third; if I were he 
I would that I were there! 

Grifonetto (lifting goblet) 
To fair Lavinia! May she be loved 
And happy as Zenobia and myself. 

Carlo (aside) 
Now shall he see his fate. 

[Grifonetto drinks, gazing into the 
cup with increasing interest, then 
anger and alarm.] 

Grifonetto 

What folly's this ? 
[He dashes cup to the ground into a 
thousand pieces^ 

[50] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Carlo 
What's that ? Has the snake bitten? 

Grifonetto 

Nay, the gods 
Are now avenged. The crystal was too pure; 
It irked me with its perfect symmetry. 

FiLIPPO 

Notice him not. He is a man of pranks. 

Carlo 
The Hghts are burning low. 

FiLIPPO 

Farewell! 

Carlo 

Come on. 
Impatient Marcantonio waits for us, 
And taps upon the gaming-board. Farewell! 

[Exeunt Carlo and Filippo laughing.] 

During the preceding conversation the servants 
have been extinguishing the hghts and all of the 
guests have departed. Grifonetto remains moodily 
gazing at the broken crystal. 

Enter ZENOBiA,Ti;io hesitates, then approaches Gki- 
FONETTO, who is Standing with his back to the door 
through which she has entered. 

[S'l 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto {to himself) 
Bah! juggling foors tricks; yet, and yet, and yet! 

Zenobia 
My lord! What mood is this that clasps your brow 
With melancholy diadem ? 

Grifonetto (still half to himself) 
What mood ? 
A humour of sick mockery. A dream 
Which strides my spirit with its shrivelled Hmbs! 

Zenobia 
My lord! I never saw you in this vein. 
Surely you once were wont to open up 
The secret springs of grief and pour your woes 
Into a willing ear. I pray you tell 
The reason of this sorrow. 

Grifonetto 

Can you not 
By any means guess the complexion oPt ? 

[Seizing her shouUersJ^ 
Look in my face. Is there no deep-set fire 
Within my pupils that reflects a flame 
Of your own mind ? Is there no creasing down 
Of brows that indicate a shrinking heart ? 

[52] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Is there no reading of those signs which mark 
The soul struck cold ? 

Zenobia 

I see as much indeed, 
Therefore I turned me back to comfort you. 

Grifonetto 
Aye. Comfort me thou shalt. See where the glass 
Lies shattered on the stone. Gather a piece 
And read the sign in it. 

Zenobia 

What can you mean ? 
Your words are riddles, your looks foreign gleams 
Which hint at nameless things. 

Grifonetto 

Nameless they are, 
And nameless shalt thou be if they be true. 

[Ptcktng up a glass fragment and 
gazing into iti\ 
We'll read together, come. This fragment here 
Shines just as brightly as the perfect globe; 
Reflects as straight, is smooth and jewelled as much. 
Yet it is worthless and the edges cut. 

Zenobia 
I know not what insinuation's here, 



THE BAGLIONI 

My lord; but if it has some touch with me, 

Or if there's aught that's sharp or broken olF 

In my affection, then I'd rather give 

My wilUng throat to this new cutting edge 

And turn to ruby this false diamond 

Made true by my red blood — true as my love 

For thee, true as my life is worthless quite 

Without thy trust in me. 

Grifonetto 

Nay, not so fast. 
The glass is but the frame. Look in its soul. 

[Holding up the glass so that the light 
shines through tt.^ 
Are there no stains to mar its purity ? 
No lustful colours in the heart of it ? 
See! There's an amethyst, a rainbow gleam. 
Red, blue, a harlequin of tints. 

Zenobia 

But look! 
[Taking fragment.] 
These manifold dyes lie not within the glass 
Save where the flickering light shines through. Now 

hold 
The crystal here, in the deep shade. Where then 
Are fled the hues ? Put out the mimic sun, 

[54] 



THE BAGLIONI 

The rainbow melts into the darkening night 
Which greets the gaze, pale and immaculate. 
So frowns the world, suspect, in painted dress 
Seen with distorted eyes of jealousy. 

Grifonetto 
Thus would I fain beheve. 

Zenobia 

Why not believe ? 
I know not what suspicion has crept in 
Unheralded between our faith and love, 
Nor what unholy visions you have seen 
In that poor shattered cup; but this I know. 
That never have I in a vagrant glance 
Or by a flying word given cause for this. 
Who's the informant ? Carlo, soaked in wine ? 
Jeronimo, the gambler ? Filippo ? 
No one can lie like our Filippo. Ah! 
Can you not see these men are treachery 
Incarnate — plotting, always plotting more 
And still more ^ Art thou then the gentle dove 
For their thin nets ? I smell in this the hand 
That saps the state and slyly poisons love! 
For you I would kneel in the dust to beg 
Forgiveness for an uncommitted sin. 
But that these swashing revellers — Cowards! 

[55] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Let them accuse me here before my face. 
Here I await them; and thou, sword in hand, 
To mete out justice — death to me in guilt, 
But, being innocent, death to the three. 
So should their accusations stand the test 
And falsely drown in their own punishment. 
I am a BagUoni as your wife, 
But Sforza runs the red blood in my veins, 
And here Zenobia Sforza cries aloud 
For justice and extenuation. 

Grifonetto 
Can flashing temper, or the resonance 
Of words, or mute appeal of loveliness. 
Heal up the canker ? Or can all thy grace 
Unite again these shattered glittering things 
Into original perfection ? 

Zenobia 
No! 
But can the infusion of those subtle souls, 
A gambler, drunkard, and a Har, rock 
The edifice of our affection down 
And crumble it to fragments slight as those — 

[Crunching the broken pieces with her foot.] 
Overthrow it as the storm blows down the leaves. 
By one small instilled drop of jealousy ? 

[56] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Who then destroyed the smoothness of our lives ? 
Filippo, was it ? 

Grifonetto 
Nay, it was not he. 

Zenobia 
Then Carlo ? 

Grifonetto 
Carlo? No! 

Zenobia 

Jeronimo ? 

Grifonetto 
Nor yet Jeronimo. 

Zenobia 
Who then? Ah, God! 
Is this a lightsome charge to found on air, 
A little thing to fling at wifely fame — 
Adultery — is it adultery ? 
If not, 'tis nothing! 

Grifonetto 
Shall I charge it, then ? 

Zenobia 
Aye, charge it, if thou canst, with all the proofs. 
Or, if there are no proofs, why then suspect 
Me on the sHghtest talk of slanderers! 

[57] 



THE BAGLIONI 

What do men say, then ? (Listening.) Hark! these 

whisperings 
Upon the night. 'Tis rumour, thousand-tongued. 
That leaps along like fire from ear to ear! 
Come, listen to it well. Does one word breathe 
Of faithlessness ? Or even if within 
The abyss of your secret mind there be 
But one small spark of reason to light the torch 
Of jealousy, then kill me and be done! 

Grifonetto 
Would God the torch were quenched. Ah, tell me 

more, 
Persuade me more. Convince me that the vision 
I saw just now within that foolish globe 
Was but a picture of my high-wrought thoughts, 
Like them a falsest fantasy! Weigh down 
The scales. I am attorney for my love 
Against my vigilance. 

Zenobia 
Then let me plead, 
I ask but justice. Shall I stand condemned 
Upon a hint from those who seek to use 
You as a tool for their conspiracies; 
Upon the witchery of a tired brain 
That weaves sham visions ? Shall you match these 

trifles 

[58] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Against the love of years ? The tenderness 
Which lingers on your sHghtest word, which wraps 
You, even when you feel it least, with care 
And constant sympathy ? Shall you let slip 
My tried affection, like a worn-out cloak. 
Upon the slurs of a bystander? Ah! 
Have you forgot so soon the time when Love 
Lit all our nights and days with flaring torch. 
And Life marched garlanded with song ? 

Grifonetto 

Forgot ? 
Can angels soon forget their paradise ? 

Zenobia 

The gates are open, who can keep you out ? 
Say that to-night has never been. Say once 
That these suspicions were but mockeries, 
Dreams, nothing. 

Grifonetto 

I believe! They're nothing else. 
'Tis nothing, nothing but a mania, 
Frenzy, a tissue of delirious lies 
Enslaving my poor wits — a crystal vision 
Deep conjured from the gloom. See, see, I cast 

[59] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Them off, these black-veiled dreams, and wake again 
Into the day of confidence. 

[He goes to curtain and pulls tt open, 
letting in a hand of moonlight.] 
Shine, stars! 
Blow, scented breezes! Look how the red moon 
Drifts down the deep-eyed night. Nay, not the moon, 
It is the golden-throned sun who flaunts 
His heavenly blazonry upon the dark! 

Zenobia 
Yes! Yes! The miracle of the midnight dawn 
That only you and I can see. My lord. 
How could you doubt me ? 

Grifonetto 

Now my doubts have gone; 
Gone Hke the sea-gulls north upon the Spring. 

Zenobia 
But when the Winter comes again ? 

Grifonetto 
Nay, they have gone forever. Naught shall come 
To separate us now. 

Zenobia 

You are so sure ? 
[60] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
Aye, till that day when heavy-fingered Death 
Shall lay his grizzly hand upon our hearts. 
Let him alone become our severer! 

[Zenobia shivers.] 
You shiver, and your hands are cold! 

Zenobia 

Nothing! 
The wind is rising. Come. Who's there? 

[Enter Filippo softly.] 

FiLIPPO 

Naught more alarming than FiHppo. Ah! 
What a most model pair! These long years wed 
And still the honeymoon! 

Grifonetto 

Good uncle, go! 
Forget that you were here! 

Filippo 

Would that I might! 
But I have business of much moment. 

Grifonetto 

Bah! 
Zenobia 

Cabals, intrigues! Are days not long enough 
But that the pure nights must be venomed too ? 

[6i] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Forgive me; but the balance-wheel of Fate 
Swings on my errand! 

Zenobia {cynically) 

Give it then a twist 
For me! I'll leave you, gentlemen. Farewell! 

Grifonetto (kissing her hand) 
Farewell, I'll not be long! 

FiLIPPO 

I pray, forgive! 

{Exit Zenobia.] 
Grifonetto {sternly) 
What now ? Is't not enough by ill-timed lies 
To poison my mind against the innocent, 
To plot a breach between my wife and me ? 
Thou hast the look of lean and hungry wolves. 
Go prowl about alone and leave a space 
For honest men to breathe in! What is it .^ 

FiLIPPO 

Not much. A pair of horns upon thy cap. 
That's all! 

Grifonetto {seizing him). 
Thou Hest. Prove it, or, by the Mass, 
I'll murder thee! I have enough of this! 

[62] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Insinuations, innuendoes, hints! 

From Carlo first and now from thee. Prove it! 

Prove it, I say, before the hghtning strikes! 

FiLIPPO 

Then Hsten, fool! And take your fingers off! 
Zenobia has now gone to wait for you ? 

Grifonetto 
Thou saw'st her go. 

FiLIPPO 

Aye, so did I, in truth. 
But I saw more than that. 

Grifonetto 

Indeed! what then? 

FiLIPPO 

I caught a questioning glance that showed her 

thought. 
I'd stake my life that she has gone to warn 
Her Marcantonio. 

Grifonetto 
Done! The pledge is made. 
Now shall you give the proofs or else your Hfe! 

FiLIPPO 

Behind the arras here there is a door 

[63] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Pushed by a secret spring. The stairs descend 
Into that hall beneath, as you well know. 
If she has gone to Marcantonio's room 
She must cross by the hall. No other way 
Is possible. Does she know of the door ? 

Grifonetto 
No; nor I till to-night. 

FiLIPPO 

Then open it. 

Grifonetto 
Why not ? You will see nothing but a hall, 
An empty hall; your own foul fantasies. 
Perchance, also, the dream of your own doom, 
Which surely I shall wreak upon your head 
W^hen this last trick has failed and I have proved 
Zenobia's innocence. Think well, I say. 
Before you let me open it. Think well, 
For were you sure of your own evil fate 
As I am that Zenobia Hngers safe 
In her own chamber, you would leap away 
Before a finger touched the spring as though 
Ten thousand serpents hid within its coil. 
While you have time, then, save yourself. 

FiLIPPO 

Open! 

[64] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
It were a pity for so good a man 
To die unshriven. 

FiLIPPO 

Go, open the door. 
I swear I speak Heaven's truth, or Hell's, but still 
It is the truth. Or if I now have lied. 
There's no harm done except to me. 
If not, here's God's own chance to fathom her 
Yourself, concealed behind the curtain there. 

Grifonetto 
I go. But mark, your life shall be the price 
When this insinuation is proved false! 

[Grifonetto pulls aside arras, touches 
a spring, and opens secret door on a 
crack under the direction of FiLlPPO, 
who then stands close behind him. 
They wait in silence for a moment^ 
when Grifonetto starts violently 
and IS on the point of rushing through 
the door. But Filippo covers Gri- 
fonetto's mouth with his hand and 
drags him back.] 

Grifonetto 
'Tis she! Ah, God! If only I were armed, 

[65] 



THE BAGLIONI 

The day had never dawned for them again — 

Nor shall it yet. See if the way is clear, 

Filippo. Quick; that I may reach my sword 

And kill before my soul breaks with its rage! 

Zenobia — Marcantonio's paramour! 

I would have sworn by Christ upon His cross, 

FiHppo, that there never was a wife 

More pure! Zenobia Sforza! Why; her name 

Itself has come to be a synonym 

For virtue. All of Umbria rings forth 

The praise of this fair flower of faithfulness ! 

And now the crystal mirror of her mind 

Is cracked in fragments, all reflecting back 

My love in rainbow infamies. Now, now, 

I know that Hell is here in Italy! 

Come! Let me slake my thirsty wrath in blood, 

The only drink that quenches treachery! 

[Seizes FiLiPPo's hand and starts 
towards the door. FiLiPPO holds 
him back.^ 

Filippo 
Nay, you are mad! Black rage has sullied up 
The clear streams of your thought. Wait! Never yet 
Has deed done in the heat of wrath struck home 
Like cold, malignant vengeance. 

[66] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 

Thy hands off! 
Or else I brain thee with my fists. 

FiLIPPO 

Madman! 
What would you do ? To slay Zenobia first, 
Then Marcantonio, only to be slain 
Yourself within an hour ? The bravi make 
Short work of fools. 

Grifonetto 
I care not, let me off! 
The pillars of my universe have gone. 
I would drain to the dregs my brimming cup 
Of vengeance, and then die. 

FiLIPPO 

Drain it thou shalt! 
And such a mighty beaker full of wrath 
As never since the days of ancient Rome 
Has hung unpoured above the fated heads 
Of unsuspecting victims! 

Grifonetto 

What mean you ? 
Is not my itching sword-blade long enough ? 

FiLIPPO 

It is; but listen, while I unfold my plan. 

[67] 



THE BAGLIONI 

To your brief stroke it is as thunderclap 
To music. 

Grifonetto 
Marcantonio will have gone! 

FiLIPPO 

Nay, let him go. It matters naught. The net 
Is woven — if you but consent — has caught 
Them fast already. 

Grifonetto 
Anything, by Heaven, 
For vengeance! So fling honour to the winds! 
Affection, chivalry, blood-kinship, pride, 
Humanity. Strangle them all, still-born 
Abortions! Away Life, and call grim Hate 
To wrap me in her horrid arms. — Your plan! 

FiLIPPO 

Cool thyself, Grifonetto. Let thy hate 
Freeze up this frenzy with her icy wit, 
And listen to me with intelligence. 

Grifonetto 
Proceed, I wait! 

FiLIPPO 

This, then's, the plan. You know 

[68] 



THE BAGLIONI 

How all of the Baglioni are at hand, 

Assembled for the celebration feasts 

Of our Astorre's marriage. You know well 

How brave they are, and how they scorn at night 

To guard themselves with waiting men-at-arms. 

As other nobles do, preferring much 

To trust to their own skill and mighty name. 

Thus holding strength and valorous repute 

A substitute for prudence and the pikes 

Of hirehngs. 

Grifonetto 
Aye, we are brave — cursed brood 
Of lustful wolves ! But what of that ? 

FiLIPPO 

Their pride 
Shall be their ruin! In the night, we four. 
Carlo, Jeronimo, yourself and I, 
Armed to the teeth and followed by our men. 
Like stealthy lions penetrate the dens 
Of these same wolves, and, when the sun shines forth 
Again, your vengeance has been done. A king 
Of beasts inhabits where the ravening wolves 
Snarled yesterday. One ruler stands alone 
To guide the city's new-born destinies. 
And once again Perugia shall be free! 
For me, ambition; freedom for the town; 

[69] 



THE BAGLIONI 

For thee, the bloodiest vengeance in the world! 
A trinity of deeds! 

Grifonetto (bitterly) 
I could admire 
Thy sophistry, Filippo, were my heart 
Not bursting with the strain of losing all 
I held most intimate. But, false or not, 
Thy words are oil upon my wounds. Who says 
That Grifonetto has turned traitor too ? 
And yet 'tis true, as there's a hell for thee, 
Filippo. Grifonetto, cynosure 
Of all the looks in wide-eyed Umbria! 

Filippo 
Not traitor. Liberator! Tyrants' scourge! 

Grifonetto 
Nay, decorate the name as you may wish, 
The deed remains identical. But more! 

Filippo 
The signal for the rush shall be the fall 
Of a great stone within the inner court 
Of Guide's palace. Each one, with our braves, 
Shall then speed to our several tasks of love. 
The rest is easy. 

Grifonetto 

Would my heavy heart 
[70] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Could shatter on the stone and expiate 
This guilt and grief for all! No other sign 
Would then be needed for this treachery. 

FiLIPPO 

Till then, no word, no look, to give a clue 
To your intention. For the nonce you are 
Comedian in the great tragedy. 
Smile, jest, feign all outrageous merriment, 
And eat your heart in silence till the time 
When vengeance, striding with overtaking steps, 
Shall strike in one fell blow our enemies. 

Grifonetto 
So be it. Doomed are the Baglioni, all! 
Replete with lust and feasting they dance down 
Toward the grave! Leave me, Filippo. Go! 
I hate the truth and thee! 

[Grifonetto sinks into a chair ^ 

Filippo 

I go at once. 

\Exit Filippo.] 

Grifonetto {rising suddenly) 
Now has the current of this infamy 
Swept from my soul all vestige of restraint 

[71] 



THE BAGLIONI 

And borne me helpless on its tossing waves 

Of passion. Grifonetto is not here, 

But some new hell-born fury, bellowing 

His curses to an unknown self. Here stands 

A stranger in this once familiar form. 

Whose poisoned blood now throbs its maddened 

rush 
Of hate incarnate through my veins. Hail then, 
Mysterious Avenger! Steel the nerves; 
Grip firm the heart; instil the iron force 
Of thy great purpose through each Hmb. Turn out 
All pity, honour, love, and bid them go 
A-shrieking through the streets until they find 
A domicile in fooHsh souls still graced 
With some humanity. Come, Vengeance, come! 
And fold me in thy sable wings. Enwrap 
My soul with bloody kisses, so I walk 
Upon my errand shod with destiny; 
Swift and inevitable as the wind. 
And cruel as the Fates. Come, Vengeance, come! 
Thou art my only mistress, my desire 
Flames up to thee. With every breath I crave 
Thy fierce embrace! Knit thy ferocity 
Into my soul, until I live revenge — 
Sleep, wake, dream, plot a Hmitless revenge; 
And stride at last to that night consummate, 

[72] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Incarnate Vengeance, brandishing aloft 
The sword of Death himself, the Infinite 
Avenger! 

[Long pause.] 
Ah, Zenobia! 

[Grifonetto sinks, sobbing violently, 
into the chair, covering his face with 
his hands.] 

CURTAIN. 



[73I 



THE BAGLIONI 



ACT III 



ACT III 

THE anteroom of Marc Antonio's apartment in 
Atalanta's palace: one week later. An open 
casement at the rear discloses the neighbouring 
roofs and towers in the moonlight. To the left 
are a fireplace and a door leading to the stair- 
way. To the right another door leads to the 
sleeping chamber. A single torch gives the only 
light except that furnished by a heavy candela- 
brum upon a table in the centre of the room, at 
which are seated Marcantonio, Carlo, Si- 
MONETTO, and Filippo. The table is littered 
with cards, dice, decanters, and half emptied 
goblets. 

Simonetto 
Thou playest for high stakes! 

Marcantonio 

They're none too high 
For me to risk upon a card or die. 



THE BAGLIONI 

Carlo 
Take heed then, Marcantonio, for God's dice — 

Marcantonio 

For that, most of men's dice are loaded too, 
So what's the odds ? 

SiMONETTO 

By Bacchus! There it goes — 
My last gold crown. Some honest citizen 
Must bleed his money-bags to recompense 
Poor Simonetto for this night. 

Carlo 

Alas! 
My purse is empty as my head is full. 
More of your sack to drown my poverty! 

Marcantonio 

Come, leave the game, you revellers, since chance 
For once smiles sparingly upon the young. 

Simonetto 

Aye, let's off! Friend FiHppo here is wise 
And cautious. Let him battle out until 
The candles pale in sunshine; I'm for bed! 

[78] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

ril play with Marcantonio every night, 
Alone — till Doomsday if he likes. 

Marcantonio 

Too long. 
Filippo, rd play high and short. 

FiLIPPO 

To work! 
Marcantonio 
I double! 

Filippo 
And again! 

Marcantonio 

Four times as much! 

Filippo 
And every crown that I can beg or steal 
Within the year! 

Carlo 
Filippo, by the gods. 
Such play is madness! 

SiMONETTO 

This is merry sport; 
Say naught, my Carlo. 

[79] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
All my lands! 

FiLIPPO 

By Heaven! 
I have none. But I have my honour still. 
Here goes it, represented by this crown. 
Once win it, thou canst sell me as a slave! 

Marcantonio 
Thy honour ? Pah ! It is not worth the crown 
Which symboHzes it. 

FiLIPPO 

The honour, then, 
Of the most beautiful of womankind ! 

Marcantonio 
An empty boast! 

Carlo 
Come, drag him off to bed; 
This is too much! 

SiMONETTO 

Come out, Filippo, out 
The wine dances too hot in your thin veins! 

[Seizes FiLIPPO.] 
[80] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Unhand me. I speak truth. 

Marc ANTONIO 

Whose honour, then, 
Hast thou in hand ? 

FiLIPPO 

Whose do you think, my friend ? 
Nay, you should know! 

Marcantonio 

Away! He's drunk! 

Carlo rj. 

1 00 true. 

Marcantonio 
Then take him off. I would not play with fools 
Or drunken men. 

[Carlo and Simonetto seize him.] 

FiLIPPO 

Aye, carry me away! 
For all that I shall win my stakes, for mark 
You well, my Marcantonio, they're as high 
As life, unsatisfied as death, and hard 
To pay up as to obviate the tomb! 

[Exeunt Carlo and Simonetto drag- 
ging FiLIPPO. Sounds of expostu- 
lations, laughter, and footsteps die 
away down stairway which leads to 
Marcantonio's anteroom Joor.J 
[8i] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
I like not that Filippo, nor his wit — 

[Slowly blowing out candles.] 

*Tis much too bitter for my taste. Besides, 
I was a fool to wager with him so. 
He's naught but a poor bastard with his boasts 
Of woman's fame. 

[Going to bedroom door and listening^ 

Maraglia! Sleepest thou ? 
He sleeps. So are the humble recompensed. 
Sleep in his stronghold unassailable 
But mocks at me. There broods the fortunate 
And gentle rest of young insouciance; 
While every passion in the universe 
Seems to have chosen my veins for battle-ground. 
Love, anger, longing, fear; and now that last. 
The worst of all — Suspicion! Some one knocks! 

[Sound of light knocking. He goes 
to the door and opens it^ 

Who's there ? Zenobia! This is madness. 

Enter Zenobia. 

Zenobia 

Hush! 
Not so loud with my name! 

[82 1 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 

Where is he, then ? 
Your husband Grifonetto ? 

Zenobia 

I left him 
Asleep. I poured into his drinking-cup 
A quieting draught which Carlo brought me once 
From a physician in Sienna. Nay! 
Be not alarmed. I shook him ere I went. 
Naught else but thunder could disturb him now. 

Marcantonio 
Pray then that storms will keep away! 

Zenobia 

And pray 
As well no other storms of human wrath 
May grow, and, gendered in suspicion, break 
Upon our heads. 

Marcantonio 
He still suspects .? 

Zenobia 

God knows! 
But ever since that night when he let fall 
Down at my feet the shivering globe, my soul 
Has trembled Hke the breaking crystal cup. 

[83] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Ah, Marcantonio! My whole Hfe is like 
A dancer's on the frailest single cord 
Stretched taut across the grave! 

Marcantonio 

Thou'rt overwrought! 
Come, sit here where the gentle blowing air 
Will smooth thy brow with its invisible 
And cooHng touch. Look forth. The city sleeps 
Within the night so silently; as though 
The stars, all wearied with the watching o'er 
Men's immemorial destinies, had poured 
Their heavenly sleeping-draught upon the earth, 
To quiet human deeds and rest awhile! 

Zenobia 
Tell me more, — more, Antonio, for thy voice 
Falls soothing on the throbbing sounds that ring 
Forever in my tired brain alarms 
And infamies. For when I am away 
From thee, and Grifonetto looks so hard 
With those sad eyes of his, my heart grows still. 
They seem to mock and question me — his eyes. 
Sometimes he gazes at me suddenly. 
And then looks swift away. I catch a gleam 
Sometimes of subtle anger fluttering 
Like summer Hghtning, in his scrutiny. 

[84I 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
It is impossible that he should know! 

Zenobia 
Yet ever since that day, a week gone by, 
An indefinable suspicion grows 
Upon me. Marcantonio 

But you've lulled his jealousy, 
Nor have I seen you till to-night. What then 
Can he have seen ? 

Zenobia 
And yet — 'Tis Hke the mist 
Down on the plains. It comes all unperceived, 
And suddenly it wraps one shivering 
Within its icy arms. Nor can I drive 
Away the haunting thought that over us 
There hang invisible grim threatenings. 
To-night Fve come to warn you. Flee, now, now, 
Antonio, for your sake and mine! I beg! 
Yes, promise that you'll go before the dawn. 

Marcantonio 
I promise. 

Zenobia 
God be praised! 

Marcantonio 

Then there are left 
[85] 



THE BAGLIONI 

But these so few sweet passing hours of love 
To pinnacle our happiness upon ? 

Zenobia 
Yes; let us drink them to the very last, 
These moments; let me feel once more the fire 
Of thy dear lips, before the insatiable 
Swift future overwhelms us both. The last! 
I am afraid to-night. Ah, Cruelty! 
Why is the world so fierce to lovers ? 

Marcantonio 

Nay, 
Why blame the world which toils thus endlessly ? 

Zenobia 
What then ? Is there a God ? 

Marcantonio 

Look forth and see! 
When once the sleeping city wakes, each roof 
Will hide what shame, what want, what infamies, 
What agonies of death, crimes, sickness, woes — 

Zenobia 
Where is he, then, the God of all this sin 
And misery ? 

Marcantonio 

I know not. Yet indeed 
[86] 



THE BAGLIONI 

If ever he shines out beyond the veil, 
It must be in the beauty of a night 
Like this. 

Zenobia 

At least that — love and beauty! Hark, 
The bells! 

[They stand silently a moment^ then 
continue speaking, while distant bells 
chime the midnight hour.^ 

Marcantonio 
Another day is born. 

Zenobia 

So fast, 
Like moments dov^n the everlasting night 
Flutter our little lives! no more than gleams 
Of feehng on the void of time! and called 
Zenobia, Marcantonio. 

Marcantonio 

Who can know 
Hov^ close the hour may be at hand when they 
Shall be but memories! 

[The noise is heard of a heavy stone 
which falls crashing in the court 
without, followed by a long-drawn 
and shrill whistle^ 
[87] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
Ah, God! What's that? 
Marc ANTONIO 
Stones crashing in the night ? No wind could move 
Such masonry. The whistle afterwards! 

Zenobia 
What if it were a signal! 

Marcantonio 
It may be! 
Quick, quick, back to your room! 

[Going to door with torch.] 
The way is clear! 
If Grifonetto should have gone, then fly 
To Atalanta's chamber. Quick! [They kiss.] 

Zenobia 

The last! 

[Exit Zenobia.] 
Marcantonio 
What can this be ? It seems some hidden plan 
Too intricate e'en for Grifone's touch. 
Yet he's so subtle. The Baglioni's blood 
Meanders not for nothing in his veins! 

[During this speech there is an increas- 
ing noise of tramping without, and 
a growing sound of voices.] 
[88] 



THE BAGLIONI 

What if it were a deeply cunning plan 
To wreak a double vengeance, after all ? 
One more straw — that FiUppo's boast to-night; 
Filippo has let slip the door, whose key 
His hand before had turned so carefully! 
By Heaven, I see it now! It stretches out 
Clear as the moonlight there! To work, thou fool! 
Zenobia's warned. Now quick that I may scotch 
This budding flower of vengeance on the stalk. 
Before its poisonous petals fall upon 
The victims! [More noise of tramping.] 

Hark! There's tramping. 'Tis too late. 
It is a signal. Ho! Awake, awake, 

[Going to door and pounding violently] 
Maraglia! Quick! There's treachery afoot 
To-night! Quick, arm yourself! What's that again .? 

Enter Maraglia. 
They're in the palace! Barricade the door — 
The only chance! 

[They hastily improvise a barricade 
with heavy centre table, chairs, beds, 
etc. Many steps come rushing up 
the stairs, and those without assail 
the door violently^ 
Ah, here they come! 

Maraglia ^^ ,^^j, 

[89] 



THE BAGLIONI 

The door will not hold long. Quick on the roofs 
While I stand off the rush ! 

Marcantonio 

Come with me too! 
Maraglia 
Nay, this will give you time! If possible, 
I'll follow you; if not, I die content! 

Marcantonio 
May God at last requite your bravery! 

[He embraces Maraglia hurriedly and 
escapes out of the open window to 
neighbour in g roof. The door finally 
breaks down. Grifonetto, Filippo, 
and following bravi with swords and 
torches rush in, overwhelming and 
killing Maraglia, who at first had 
held them at bay with his pike.^ 

Filippo 
The dog's dead, where's the master ? 

Grifonetto 

Search the room! 
[Bravi and Filippo search both rooms, 
ramming all suspected places with 
their swords.^ 

[90] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Where is he ? 'Tis incredible he should 
Have fled! 

Grifonetto 

Suspicion must have crossed his mind; 
The door was barricaded! 

FiLIPPO 

Prod the squire, 
And promise him compassion if he tells. 

[Braviy with their pikes, prod Marag- 
LIA who does not movei\ 
Useless! His mongrel breath has flown. 

Grifonetto {who has looked out of window) 

Too late! 

FiLIPPO 

Too late! \Goes to window^ 

Grifonetto 
See! From the ledge there it is but an ell — 
A leap that any man could take. He's gone 
Upon the neighbouring house-tops. Quick, scour 

wide 
The city, block the gates, search garrets, roofs, 
Bins, chimneys, everywhere! A thousand crowns 
To him who brings me Marcantonio's head! 

Enter a Soldier in haste. 
[9«] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Soldier 
My lord! 

Grifonetto 
Here's news of him already! 

FiLIPPO 

Good! 
Soldier 
My lord, your mother Atalanta's fled. 

Grifonetto 
Fled ? 

Soldier 
And Zenobia. 

Grifonetto 
There, thou liest! 

FiLIPPO 

Ah! 
Grifonetto (to Bravi) 
Kill this foul har! 

Soldier 
By the Sacred Blood, 
I speak the truth: The house is full of men — 
Thy followers. There's not a room in all 
The palace where they could be hid. And more, 
A peasant from the western gate reports 
Them riding out a moment since, their steeds 
Fast foaming, Uke the wind, into the dark! 

[92] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
Kill him! 

FiLiPPO {to soldier) 
Flee for your life! [Exit soldier^ 

Grifonetto 

So they are gone! 
Gone, laughing in this desolate black night! 
Zenobia and her Marcantonio gone! 
The wife and paramour! In vain, in vain 
The slaughter of the others. All in vain 
The treachery, the careful plots, the days 
Of treasured misery! Cursed be the night 
That hides them in its gloomy veil! Cursed stars 
That light their path! Cursed fathers that begot, 
Mothers that bore them! Cursed the breasts that 

nursed 
Their infancy, and cursed be great God 
Upon His highest throne for making them! 
Now is that fate unbearable fulfilled 
Which from its earliest hours has brooded o'er 
Our luckless race. Now have its greedy claws 
Snatched from my burning hands their vengeance! 

Now 
Triumphant bare licentiousness has won, 
To flaunt in crimson robes of victory! 
Then laugh, high God ; laugh, men and devils all ; 
Laugh, Grifonetto, for the curse has fallen! 

CURTAIN. 

[93] 



THE BAGLIONI 



ACT IV 



A 



ACT IV 

ROOM in Atalanta's castle at Landona, 
upon the evening of the next day. There are 
chairs, tables, a lectern, and in the corner a shrine, 
containing a triptych of the descent from the cross, 
before which burn two candles. In the rear a 
large window opens upon a balcony over whose 
parapet can be seen the distant hills in the moon- 
light. As the curtain rises, Atalanta is kneel- 
ing in front of the shrine. Zenobia stands by 
the window gazing across the countryside upon 
the road which leads to Perugia. 

Zenobia 
Sleep on the mountain tops, sleep, nothing else! 
Sleep in the wind that sweeps the empty path, 
And sleep upon the cold and pallid moon. 

Atalanta {praying) 
Kind Mary, mother of our Lord, have pity! 

Zenobia 
So quietly extend the gentle fields; 

[97] 



THE BAGLIONI 

The star-strewn heaven stoops to meet the hills. 
But there, beyond them, lies the city, blood 
Upon its stones, death in the fearful air, 
And terror trembling on her sable wings, 
Blown even here upon this very breeze 
Which carries all the sweets of summer's bloom 
Across the drowsy pastures! What wilFt bring — 
The morning, what to-night ? Who knows ? 

Enter Marcantonio armed. 

Zenobia {turning to meet him) 

The news ? 

Marcantonio 
Nothing! No one has come since yesterday. 
The town is held by the conspirators. 

Zenobia 
Does Grifonetto know of our escape ? 

Marcantonio 
He must. But hardly can he guess so soon 
That I have sought the selfsame sheltering walls 
Which guard you. 

Zenobia 
Where is Simonetto gone ? 
[98] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
He rides the country like a hawk for aid, 
Until to-morrow. 

Zenobia 
Have the bravi come ? 

Marcantonio 
More than Fd hoped. 

Zenobia 

We can hold out then ? 

Marcantonio 

Yes; 
In case of need. Yet we are short of men 
At best; nor may we spare an idle hand, 
From guarding the defences. Can you watch, 
Here from the window, where the road descends 
Across the valley from Perugia ? If 
There's sight of armed advancement, summon us. 

Zenobia 
I will keep watch. 

Marcantonio 
Then Fll away. 

[Exit Marcantonio.] 

Atalanta (praying) 

Jesu! 
LOFC. [99] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia {shading her eyes with her hands and again 

gazing out eagerly) 
Ah, yes! Now in the moonlight, now in shade, 
I see him galloping. 

Atalanta {rising from her knees and going to the 
window) 
What can it be ? 
What other horrors drift upon the clouds 
Of this black night ? Guido, Lavinia, 
Astorre on his wedding night, all, slain, 
And Grifonetto is their murderer! 

Zenobia 
I must again have been deceived, such is 
The wrought and strained attention of the soul 
That every wind-blown cypress in the shade, 
Each light cast by the false and fickle moon, 
Grows on the view a score of men at arms 
On blackest chargers, or the glittering spears 
Of mailed cavalcades. 

Atalanta {gazing out) 

My eyes are dull, 
I can see nothing but the bending trees, 
The pale fields, and those soft famihar hills 
That once, in happier times, were so much loved. 

[loo] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
See! There, the brightness glances on his steel; 
There, darkness from the foliage hides his flight. 

Atalanta 
Pray heaven it be a vision — only that. 
Or shall the unnatural son of this sad heart, 
Imagining exploits more hideous still. 
Lead here his traitor's crew to crown misdeeds 
By dabbling with their sullied hands in crimes 
Unspeakable — 

Zenobia 
I know not yet — too far 
Across the distant hills it rides so fast — 
Whether it be a nameless terror, bred 
From all this poured out blood, or living friend 
Sent on to warn us of some fresh assault. 

Atalanta 
If ever growing larger on the view, 
No hoof-beats yet attain the listening ear. 
Then it is but a rider of the night. 

Zenobia 
No sound! 

Atalanta 
Did ever woman wish before 

[lOl] 



THE BAGLIONI 

To greet a spirit, even out of hell, 
Rather than her own son ? 

Zenobia 

Hark; do you hear ? 

Atalanta (listening) 
'Tis but the waterfall in the ravine. 

Zenobia 

The rhythm is too irregular — now fast. 

Now slow again. » 

^ Atalanta 

When evil deeds of death 

Pollute the earth, then ride these fiends abroad; 

The gentle hosts of heaven relax their watch. 

And angels, shrinking from the sight of blood. 

Withdraw betimes their kindly vigilance. 

Leaving the spirits from the deep — nay, all 

The form and horrid manner of damned things 

To run their unmolested way. 

Zenobia 

To-night 
Should bristle with such awful bands; to-night, 
If ever, should they ride at Uberty; 
For never has a fouler treachery 
Cried out to patient Heaven. It sounds again! 

[Pointing.] 
The ring of stones upon the Roman bridge! 

[102] 



THE BAGLIONI 
Atalanta 



Alas, it is no spirit! 



Zenobia 
See! he comes. 



Atalanta 
Yes, there along the bank. 

Zenobia 

He rides like mist 
Before the west wind. [Hoof-beats grow nearer.^ 

Atalanta 
I will pray again. 
God shall be weary with a woman's tears. 

[Atalanta returns to kneel before the 
shrine. Sound of furious riding 
grows rapidly nearer and ceases y 
followed by a hail to the castle, answer- 
ing shouts, etc., as Zenobia speaks^ 

Zenobia 
His steed is thundering now up to the gate. 
All foam-flecked. Now he stumbles. How his 

breath 
Roars through his nostrils! He is ridden hard; 

[103] 



THE BAGLIONI 

They must have been sore pressed. He has leapt 

down. 
The door has opened. He has entered. Ah! 

Reenter Marcantonio. 

Marcantonio 
Another day — I should have been his match! 

Zenobia 
Who is*t ? 

Marcantonio (grimly) 
A friendly spear fled from the town 
To warn us. Atalanta 

It has come! 

Marcantonio 

The castle's strong. 
We can hold out till help arrives. My men, 
With Simonetto, rouse the countryside, 
To-morrow I could storm the city's gates. 
The messenger reports the town enraged 
By Grifonetto's treachery. Each hour 
He is deserted by a hundred men 
Who'd join our followers — 

Zenobia (who has returned to the window) 

Come to the window. 
The road lies in the moonlight to the hills. 

[104] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marc ANTONIO (following Zenobia) 
What's that ? 

[Atalanta returns also to the window^ 

Zenobia 
The trees bend in the rising wind 
And toss their branches so, one scarce may tell 
Where shadows end and moving men begin. 

Marcantonio 
Those are no shadows! 

Atalanta 

No! There gleams a spear. 

Marcantonio 
And there a helmet flashes in the light. 

Zenobia 
Hoof-beats can scarce be heard before the bridge. 

Marcantonio 
Yet 'tis a troop upon the furthest hill. 
Now that we're warned in time, the moments hang. 
I must at once attend the armament. 

[Exit Marcantonio.] 
Zenobia 
So little while ago, when he drew near 

[105] 



THE BAGLIONI 

My cheeks burned with the thought. Then through 

my veins 
My heart-beats danced in tune, as if to run 
Upon the clatter of his charger's hoofs. 
And now gray fear has clutched me by the throat 
While every deadened pulse weeps out "He comes!'* 

Atalanta 
Has ever woman been so cursed by fate! 
To bar her child's homecoming with grim walls; 
To welcome him with armed and level steel; 
To dread his face as though it were the plague — 
This is the last, and bitterest event 
That crushes me. 

Zenobia 
Now I can see him! 

Atalanta 

Where ? 
Zenobia {pointing) 
There! On the blackest charger far in front 
Of all the rest; his head bowed low in thought 
As though the sight of death sat heavily 
Upon him. 

Atalanta 
No! It cannot be. Nature 
Could not bear such a dream and mockery — 

[io6] 



THE BAGLIONI 

That he should murder in cold blood his wife 
And mother! Earth would yawn and swallow up 
Such infamy. 

Zenobia 
If Marcantonio fails, 
Then is at last our hour drawn close at hand. 

[During this time the sound of numerous 
approaching horses has grown con- 
tinually louder, until the troop is 
heard to stop without the gate.] 

Atalanta (taking Zenobia by the hand and leading 

her to the shrine) 
Here by the blessed crucifix we kneel! 
And if the castle fall, he shall confront 
Together both his mother and his God. 

[Hails and trumpets heard without, 
then Grifonetto's voice. Zenobia 
and Atalanta listen, afraid to ap- 
proach the window^ 

Grifonetto {without) 
Hold! Throw not from the walls. I come in peace! 

Answering voice from the castle 
A traitor's ruse! 

Grifonetto 
I swear by all the saints! 
[107] 



THE BAGLIONI 

A voice from the castle 
What would you have of us ? We are in force. 

Grifonetto 
I would speak with my mother. Bear to her 
The message that I crave an audience. 

A voice from the castle 
The lady Atalanta's last commands 
Were to confer with no one from without. 

Grifonetto 
Carry my summons. You have naught to fear. 

A voice from the castle 
There's no great harm in parley. 

Another voice from Grifonetto's troop 

There may be 
A time when it will stand you in good stead. 

[Shouts, etc.] 
Zenobia (to Atalanta) 
Nay! Listen not. It is some treachery 

[More shouts, etc.] 
Knocking — Enter Man-at-arms. 
Atalanta (to him) 
I hear the lord Grifone's voice. Return 
And say that we would know what elements 

[io8] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Of warlike plans have now occasioned him 
To seek his mother's castle in the night 
With following men-at-arms. 

Man-at-arms. 

I go n\y lady. 

[Exit Man-at-arms.] 

Zenobia 
Alas! What can be gained by useless words? 
Unless he means to storm the battlements, 
Let him begone! 

Grifonetto (without) 
Tell Atalanta first 
Her son stands by her walls, as once he stood 
Beside her knee, to beg forgiveness, and 
To crave at least the sacred privilege 
Of saying what the direful purpose was 
Which drove him on to deeds so desperate; 
That she may know the pitiless urgency 
Lashing a soul to fury for its wrongs. 
And pardon him. 

Atalanta 
Must I then hear him ? 

Zenobia 

No! 
[109I 



THE BAGLIONI 

Atalanta 
I must attend. He is my son. 

Zenobia 

No! No! 
He will invent some tale of fancied wrongs 
To pour into your over willing ear. 
He is no more a son. The sacred ties 
Of motherhood no longer bind you now. 
He will lie softly, as he sHd his knife 
Into old Guido's throat, glide from the truth 
To true resounding falsehood, as he slipped 
Astorre from his sleep into the sleep 
Of death. Ah, hear him not! 

Atalanta 

He is my son! 
(To Man-at-arms, who has reentered.) 
Go tell the lord Grifone I will hear. 
But he must speak from where he stands without. 
I will attend him from the balcony. 

[Exit Man-at-arms.] 

Zenobia (to herself) 
It is too late! 

Atalanta (from the balcony) 
Is this my son — this man 
Who rides with bloody arms upon the night, 

[no] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Craving across embattlemented walls 
A truce, as if two warring legions 
Had met upon the field ? 

Grifonetto 

Not even your son, 
A lonely suppliant, a penitent, 
In desperation driven to blood, for which 
He would atone. Nor wish for power, nor gain. 
Nor love of strife, but treachery at home. 
Gave me a swift avenging arm. Hear then — 

Zenobia (crying) 
No! No! Let him not speak. 

Grifonetto (who has heard her cry) 

Zenobia! 

Zenobia (burying her face in her hands) 

Ah! 
Grifonetto 
Let her take heed, that she at last may know 
What engines of inexorable war 
She has let loose, how she has drawn aside 
The bloody curtains of that horrid time. 
And what it was that drove me headlong on 
To satisfy a righteous vengeance. 

[in] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
Hear him no more! He is turned mad with blood, 
Seeking to justify himself. Leave him 
To breathe his maledictions in the dark, 
Alone with his own guilty thoughts. 

Grifonetto 

Hear then 
What lust and faithlessness in those we love 
May spur men on to do. Zenobia is — 

[Loud murmurings from the castle walls.] 

Zenobia (^almost whispering) 
Ah God! Let him not speak. Lies, lies, all lies! 
No one can tell what horrors he will forge 
To vindicate his own unrighteousness. 

Grifonetto 
When you have learnt what hides within your walls — 

[More angry murmurings.] 

Atalanta (sternly) 
This is not matter for the public ear. 
Return alone in honest light of day. 
So only shall you justify yourself. 

[112] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 
Who knows what each new hour will now bring forth ? 
To-morrow I may be besieged. I beg 
That you, my mother, you at least will hear. 

Atalanta 
There was a time, alas, when every word 
Of sorrow would have found an answering tear; 
But that was when I still possessed a son. 
Now, he is dead, my son. 

Zenobia {clutching Atalanta's dress) 

He needs your help. 
Not your forgiveness. He is playing spy 
To see how you will stand with him in war. 
The ground is shppery in Perugia. 

Atalanta 

No- 
rn hear no longer. 

Zenobia 

No! 

Grifonetto 
Then, if I go. 
Without a word, you will forgive ? 

Atalanta 

Never! 
[113] 



THE BAGLIONI 

The blood of your own family cries out, 
In shame! Guido, Astorre, all are dead — 
And not that only, you have slain my son. 
All that I love is gone. My son is dead. 
You bear his name unworthily no more. 
Go while the dark compassionately hides 
Your infamy! Begone before God's day 
Reveals to men's astounded eyes the sight 
Of horrors hideous and unspeakable. 
Not even a mother's curse shall follow you; 
For you no longer are my son. My ban, 
Alone as any stranger's, shall pursue 
This murderer, unfolding its dread wings 
Above his head. There shall it hover on 
That he may not forget he had mother once, 
Who, when no more a mother, sent him forth 
Beneath the fearful burden of her curse! 

Grifonetto {bitterly) 
Some day, when you know all, you will repent. 
(To hts men loudly.') 

Ho there! To-night Death rides upon the wind! 
To horse! Fiends walk. The murderer's abroad. 
Follow his helm. Away, I say! Hell yawns. 
God's gone to some more serviceable world! 
My mother's buried; but my wife shall live 
In peace, her widowhood unsullied o'er 

[114] 



THE BAGLIONI 

By any breath of slander. Fm a corpse 

Myself. A spirit riding at your head. 

Away ! Away ! 

[As Grifonetto's voice dies away in 
the distance with the retreating clatter 
of horses^ hoofs y At AL ANT A reenters, 
holding her hands over her ears, from 
the balcony, and comes feebly towards 
Zenobia, who has remained in hor- 
ror-stricken silence^ 

Atalanta 
You spoke the truth. God help him, he is mad! 
Aid me, Zenobia, to my chamber. Ah! (tottering) 
I cannot stand. 

[Zenobia helps Atalanta to her cham- 
ber. As she reaches the door, Marc- 
antonio enters.] 

(To Marcantonio in a broken voice.) 

If you have aught to say, 
Speak to Zenobia; I have gone to mourn 
My son who has now died ! 

[Exit Atalanta.] 

Marcantonio (to Zenobia who stands in bitter ab- 
sorption by the window) 

We're safe, he's gone! 
[115] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
Alas! What have I done! 

Marcantonio 

To-morrow night 
I shall have gathered force enough to storm 
The town. Death has him by the ear, he's mad! 

Zenobia 
Alas! 

Marcantonio 
Why should you weep ? Within a week 
You will be safe again. Mine, mine at last! 

[He attempts to take Zenobia in his 
armSy but she repels /?/m.] 

Zenobia 
It is not he who is the murderer; 
'Tis you and I, Antonio, you and I 
Who, cherishing our guilty loves, have now 
Compelled a delicate and noble soul 
To inexorable ruin. 

Marcantonio 
'Twas those three, 
Filippo, Carlo, and Jeronimo, 
Who lured him with abominable schemes 
To plot a swift destruction to the state. 

[ii6] 



THE BAGLIONI 

'Twas lust of power, glittering renown, 

All to be gathered in a single night. 

Those were the baits that over tempted him. 

Zenobia 
I know he was ambitious, but no heart 
Beat truer than did his, no one of all 
The nobles of Perugia held more high 
The poised shaft of honour, nor kept watch 
Upon each breath which might deflect its course. 
You heard him. He is mad — but mad with wrath 
That starved him with a pent-up jealousy 
Until it burst all bounds, and glutted him 
With passion, made him then drunk with revenge. 
He never would have Hstened else to plots 
Of slaughter — not unless his even mind 
Had been o'erset by brooding on his wrong. 

Marcantonio 
Is this Zenobia ? 

Zenobia 
I know not. Despair 
Has held me in its grip too long. 

Marcantonio {holding out his arms) 

Come then 
Where terror shall be kept away forever. 

[117] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
If Grifonetto had once told his tale, 
I should have been cast out upon the night, 
Beneath that curse of Atalanta's which 
Now rests upon his undeserving head 
Where it will weigh like iron. 

Marcantonio (grimly) 

He merits it. 

Zenobia 
'Tis you and I. 'Tis we who merit it. 
For when he heard me cry out he refrained — 
Refused to give the truth to all those ears — 
To make my name a by-word in the town, 
To hear men say, "So that was why my lord 
Grifone sought revenge." Rather than that, 
He rode out in the night, his soul bent down 
To breaking under his own mother's curse. 
Sped away half a madman, seeking death — 
Sleep, anything to bring forgetfulness; 
As I would now! 

Marcantonio (gently) 

Why not sleep .? But the sleep 
Of love, not that of death. Have you forgot 
Already all the weeks gone by ? The days 

[ii8] 



THE BAGLIONI 

When we sat gazing at the hills, content 
To let the quiet hours instilled with joy 
Pass, like the purple shadows from the clouds, 
In silence ? All the nights so beautiful 
The very stars of heaven in wonder bent 
Their gentle eyes to earth ? The game is ours, 
Life calls you, high estate, and love! 

Zenobia 

Alas! 
Not life, or love, or sovereignty can aid 
Me now, nor for one hour can I forget. 

Marcantonio 
What then would you, since he has gone forever ? 

Zenobia {half to herself) 
What would I do ? 

(Hurriedly aloud.) I would that you should go, 
Antonio, for my love for you is dead. 
Seek not to breathe in it again a life 
That will not come. I know not what grim Heaven 
Has yet in store for me, the convent walls 
Perhaps, a lifelong penitence. But this. 
At least, I know can never be — this love 
Nurtured in madness, and baptized with the blood. 
Go then, before my heart breaks in my breast. 

["9] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
To-morrow when I am Perugia's lord 
You may think differently. 

Zenobia {weariedly) 

To-morrow then 
Shall solve its own embarrassments. To-night 
Leave me to fling my misery alone 
Before the kindly court of Heaven, since there, 
Perchance, some saint, who when upon this earth 
Sinned wretchedly as I have done, may hear 
And pity me. 

Marcantonio 
I cannot understand. 

Zenobia 

Who understands .? I only know the change, 
Know only that I feel and see, now, now, 
When 'tis too late! 

Marcantonio 

Fear has unnerved your heart. 
Infectious terror, and the hideous sight 
Of so much blood has maddened all of us. 

r 120 1 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia 
Yes, leave me now. It is too much. 

Marcanton io (kissing her hand gently) 

I go! 

[Exit Marc ANTONIO.] 

[Zenobia goes to the window and leans 

weariedly against the curtain. After 

a moment of silence during which is 

heard the challenge and answer of 

the watch tramping without, she 

starts suddenly^ 

Zenobia 
He can be saved. It shall not be too late! 

[She crosses the room rapidly, opens 
the door quietly, and whispers — 
Mona! Mona! In a moment her 
matd enters^ 

Maid 
My lady calls ? 

Zenobia {extracting purse from her girdle, and speak- 
ing hurriedly in a low voice) 

Take thou this purse. Go now 
As quickly as thou mayest to Cassio. 
To-night he is the captain of the watch. 

[121] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Say that I send this gold, that there'll be more 
And still more, if to-morrow by the dawn 
He shall have two swift horses saddled well 
For thee and me, and five good men-at-arms 
To attend us. Not a word of this abroad. 
The lord Antonio will have gone to array 
His followers. Be thou prepared when first 
The earhest dawn shines on the eastern hills. 
I shall be here at hand, awaiting thee. 

[Exit Maid.] 

[For a moment Zenobia stands in 
thought, then goes slowly to the 
shrine, before which she kneels in 
silent prayer^ 

CURTAIN. 



[122] 



THE BAGLIONI 



ACT V 



T 



ACT V 

HE piazza as in Act I. It is late afternoon of 
the next day. As the act proceeds, the sun sets, 
colouring the sky behind the housetops. The ris- 
ing curtain reveals small groups of citizens dis- 
cussing with horror and eagerness the events of the 
preceding night. 

First Citizen 
This is a sad ending for the wedding feasts. 

Sfxond Citizen 
A bloody one indeed! 

First Citizen 
Aye, was ever a city so drenched in gore! 

Third Citizen 
Mark ye, we'll pay for this. First nobles' blood, 
(would there were more of it!) then the innocent 
townsfolks'. 

[125] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Fourth Citizen 
But this is the most horrible! Never in all my years 
of witnessing these feuds have I torn down, as just 
now, the festive banners to wipe up the streets. 

Third Citizen 
'Tis the greatest pity, say I, that any of the brood 
are left to greet the sunlight. 

First Citizen 
'Twas a foul deed, but I would that Grifonetto 
had won his stroke. We should then, at least, have 
had but a single tyrant to reckon with. 

Third Citizen 
One or many 'tis the same. Blood and oppression ! 

Second Citizen 
I knew that fiery comet which shone last month 
was not for nothing. 

First Citizen 
And the rainbow ring about the moon a week ago! 

Fourth Citizen 
And the light before the Virgin at the corner of my 
house. It went out upon the calmest night I ever 
remember. 

[126] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Third Citizen 
Why did you not interpret these great auguries 
and make a timely visit out of danger ? 

Second Citizen 
Scoff not; here come the priests. 

Third Citizen 
Aye, here they come, to pray when all is over! 

[Enter procession with euchartst, pre- 
ceded by acolyte ringing bell, priests 
murmuring prayers^ etc., and exit 
by door of Duomo. Crowd of citi- 
zens kneel and doff caps as procession 
passes^ 

Fourth Citizen 
God knows this town has need of intercession for 
her sins! 

First Citizen 
Amen, indeed! The stench of all this slaughter 
must appall the very saints themselves! 

Third Citizen 
The saints must be well used to it, forsooth. Paint 
them another gonfalon for blood money) 

[127] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Second Citizen 
Out upon him for a heretic! 

[Citizens murmur angrily^ 

Third Citizen 
Here's another; ask him for his opinions! 

Enter Perugino, walking sadly, with his 
head bowed in thought. 

First Citizen 
Greetings, Master Vanucci. 

Perugino (starting from his reverie) 
This is horrible! Guido, Lavinia, all, slain in a 
night; and Astorre in the arms of his young bride! 
Such stupendous treachery! 

Second Citizen 
Old Guido, they say, died with the words, "Now 
my time is come," turning back his face that he 
might be spared the sight of his own massacre! 

First Citizen 
And Astorre crying, "Unhappy Astorre, dying 
like a poltroon!" 

Perugino (half to himself) 
Where then are all the loving, gentle saints 
With whose serene embodiment my brain 

[128] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Has striven so often ? Now forever -more 

Their faces must be turned away in pain. 

The chattering priests — new banners for the church, 

More altar-pieces, candles, sorrow, prayers! 

As if the magic hand of Art herself. 

Nay, though her brush were dipped in human tears, 

And painted in our hearts' blood, could wipe out 

The burning stain of such great infamy! 

Enter Raffaello 

Ah, Raffaello! I feared in this night 
Of riot and treachery some harm had come 
To thee. 

Raffaello 
Nay, master, all the students kept 
Close to their quarters when they heard the cries, 
The tramp of armed men, and caught the flare 
Of torches gleaming in the streets below. 

Perugino 
But men say Marcantonio made escape 
To some poor scholar's chamber ^. 

Raffaello 

It is true, 
To 'Sandros' from Orvietto, where he stayed 
Until the darkness just before the dawn, 

[129] 



THE BAGLIONI 

When, clad in a rough student's gown, he fled 
The city gates. 

Perugino 
And all the rest were slain ? 

Raffaello 
No, some escaped, but few. 

Perugino 

Those are enough. 
With Marcantonio, to return and wreak 
Swift retribution on the murderers. 
The castles of the countryside are full 
Of armed retainers loyal to the death 
To Marcantonio. Simonetto too, 
Has he escaped as well ? 

Raffaello 

He too is safe. 

Perugino 
Then is Grifone's cause most doubtful still. 

Raffaello {excitedly) 
Perhaps. But from my chamber I can see 
The great Baglioni palaces. Last night, 
Being wakeful, I leaned on my casement sill 
To watch the moonlight far down on the plain. 

[130] 



THE BAGLIONI 

A ray broke from the passing clouds. It seemed 
A shaft from heaven, it was so beautiful. 
And as I looked, I pictured angels there. 
The Holy Mother, and a gathered host 
Of saints adoring — so I gazed for long; 
When suddenly a crash split the still air. 
Tearing my reverie. Then muffled shouts 
Behind the palace w^alls, lights ghnting out 
From palace windov^s! All the night I watched 
Until the dawn, when, thrown down on the 

streets, 
I saw the naked corpses of the slain. 
Ah! They were Hke the gods of ancient Greece, 
Those poor stripped bodies, heroes of old time. 
Or murdered patriots of mighty Rome. 
Unsepultured they lay there on the stones 
While we stood gazing, silent, wondering. 
Upon such proud and splendid forms, naked. 
Cast forth upon the roadway, yet all clad 
In beauty and the majesty of death! 

First Citizen (elbowing his way through the crowd 

who have been listening to Raffaello) 
Here come the three conspirators! 

Fourth Citizen 
Then let's be off. No good will arise if we're 
found talking here. 

[i3'l 



THE BAGLIONI 

Third Citizen 
Aye, we'll be wanted soon enough for penance, 
but never for peace. 

Second Citizen 
Disperse, friends, till we see who be the next lords 
of the town. 

[Exeunt citizens slowly ^ in small groups y 
talking together excitedly.^ 

Raffaello 
Too much prudence. I would stay and scorn them. 

Perugino 
No! Too much youth! Know, Raffaello, that 
Art's province is to feel, observe, express, 
But not to act. [Exit Perugino and Raffaello.] 
Enter Grifonetto and Filippo. 

FiLIPPO 

The plan has failed. 
Grifonetto (with gray voice) 

I know! 
Did'st see, Filippo, how those here just now 
Fled from our slow approach ? 'Twas horror! 

FiLIPPO 

Fah! 
A group of gossiping traders. 

[132] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 

As you like! 
I say their speech was low and ominous, 
Their looks mute curses. 

FiLIPPO 

Come! Pluck up thy heart; 
Has Grifonetto turned a coward ? 

Grifonetto 

Nay, 
Were it but yesterday I would have pricked 
That lie between your teeth. To-day am I 
Undone. I have enough of blood. 



FiLippo i 

Mark me. 1 
There'll be much more, and that your own and mine, 

If you do not arouse yourself at last j 

To put the flying leagues between your foes ! 

And you. Think you they'll not return, the wolves, | 

To suck their vengeance from us all ^ j 

Grifonetto | 

May be! 

FiLIPPO 

My soul! Was ever such a man.? Awake, 
Grifone, wake! The hounds are on your track! 

[^33] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Soon will their baying ring loud in your ears. 
To horse, before it is too late! 

Grifonetto 

'Tis over! 
The play is done. Is great God never tired 
Of seeing the self-same tragedy ? 

FiLiPPO {taking hold of him) 

Hark thee, 
My Grifonetto. This last play's not done. 
The first stroke fails, 'tis true, or half succeeds 
At most. What then ? The stroke's half made, 

at least. 
Now for the rest of it. First, from the town; 
So that when the Baglioni come to find 
Revenge, their quarry's given them the slip. 
Next, gather from the countryside our men, 
All we can find; pose as the city's friends. 
Deliverers from the tyrants' toils; and then 
Back from the plains to storm the town again. 
The burghers will be friendly; gates will swing 
Back from their hinges, open wide to those 
Who'll guard the city's ancient freedom. Then 
The fugitives as conquerors shall return. 
There's the play's ending. Take it! It is thine! 

[134] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Grifonetto 

What a smooth tongue! Thou should'st have been 

a judge, 
Filippo, or a barrister to plead 
For criminals, as thou art doing now. 
But this is not a case for words. Black deeds, 
And blacker retribution faces us. 
Ah, God! What vast atonement can wipe out 
That dark stain of my mother's parting curse ? 
You know how she did curse me, FiHppo ? 

[Shaking his head sorrowfully^ 
In vain I've sought her at Landona, now 
This very day again. Naught but dark curses, 
Great curses on my head and on her womb 
That bore me. Curses for my treason, then 
More for the massacre. Let death come now. 
I wait! 

Filippo 

Nay, but succeed yet, after all. 
She will remove her curse then for the crown 
Of victory, as many a mother's done 
Before. 

Grifonetto 

No victories can blot a curse 
Like this from off my brow. 'Tis registered 

[135] 



THE BAGLIONI 

In heaven by Azrael. His wings alone 
Can brush aside the stain. 

FiLIPPO 

You are stark mad, 
Grifone, irresponsible, and full 
Of rhapsodies of dying! See, the sun 
Deflects not his bright rays away from us; 
Food nourishes; wine flows forth for our thirst; 
Our shadows are not bloody. 

Grifonetto 

Such as thou, 
Fihppo, see not shadows of the soul. 
How could'st thou .? On this very spot thou first 
Tempted my honour. Then I scorned thee, then 
I threw back thy insinuating words 
Into thy traitor's face. 

FiLIPPO 

Say what you will. 
But did I turn Zenobia false ? Who cried 
So loud for vengeance then ? 

Grifonetto 

Now do I know 
Too late that vengeance is for God. 

FiLIPPO 

Too late ? 
[136] 



THE BAG LI ON I 

'Tis not too late. I beg you chase away \ 

These lurid, night-born fancies, brooding thoughts ; 

Which haunt thy weary brain. Off to the plains! 
Feel once again thy steed rush under thee; 

Once more the bravi shouting close behind; ] 

The cool air of the marshes fanning thee! j 

Then will swift action drive aside these mists \ 

Of melancholy* 

Grifonetto (solemnly) ] 

When the stars are cold, ' 

Filippo, and when night has changed each shape j 

FamiHar so that all the world is strange — j 

When best-known faces show through leering masks, ! 

And oft-trod stones ring foreign echoes back \ 

To one's own unacquainted steps; when blood j 

Drips from one's very thoughts to hang a veil ■ 

Of gore before the straining vision. 
And God's own blessed sun drifts flaming red 
Behind the hills — who then art thou to speak 

So light of brushing gruesome fancies by ? j 

I say if thou coulds't feel the load of guilt j 

That staggers on thy back, and see thyself j 

As real — a crime-drenched hunchback crouching j 

there! 

Filippo 
The man is mad. Come, Grifonetto, see, 

[ W ] 



THE BAGLIONI 

I do beseech you turn away these thoughts. 

Weigh out the matter thus : on one side death, 

Inevitable, and what then is gained ? 

Upon the other all that unknown chance 

Which makes life rich in possibilities. 

The chance to win yet in this game of war. 

The chance to still remorse with noble acts. 

To buy redemption for the past with love 

Of this your suffering city, and the chance 

To so heap up good deeds that they shall shame 

At last the very niched saints themselves. 

Throw this great opportunity away. 

Then you are lost, and after damned as well. 

Fly these foul fancies, live, and you have yet 

To cheat the Fates and save your soul. Nay, more; 

'Twere flying in the face of Heaven itself 

To thus cast off your own redemption! 

Grifonetto 

No. I care not to live. I would not skulk 
From town to town in timid banishment, 
A cursed soul, a cuckold, murderer. 
Laughed at, despised, and pointed at in shame. 
I vnll not live. For there are times indeed 
When to breathe in the air and gaze upon 
The light is the most damned crime of all. 

[138] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Then die you must. Who is this running here ? 

Enter Carlo in haste. 

Carlo 
The watchman at the towers sees the flash 
Of weapons moving up the hill. They come! 

FiLIPPO 

Where is Jeronimo ? 

Carlo 

He's here. 

Enter Jeronimo, hastily buckling on 
his sword. 

FiLIPPO 

To horse! 
We're just in time. Soon 'twill be dark. We're safe. 

Jeronimo 
OflF with us! 

FiLIPPO 

And this mad fool here! 

Carlo 

What's that .? 

FiLIPPO 

He would atone, stay, die, God knows what all! 

[139] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Jeronimo 
Then let him stay. 

Carlo 
My life's not dice for fools 
To juggle with. 

FiLIPPO 

Haste, Grifonetto! 

Carlo ^rrj 

FiLIPPO 

Come; steeds wait at the hill's foot. All is planned! 
Come! 

Grifonetto 
Cowards! Traitors! Go save precious skins 
For vultures to feed on another time. 

FiLIPPO 

The man is raving! 

Carlo 

He'd but hinder us. 

Grifonetto 
Go, go! My blood, not yours! It would pollute 
The sacrifice! t- 

FiLIPPO 

Christ pity him! 

Jeronimo 

Away! 
[140] 



THE BAGLIONI 

FiLIPPO 

Off with him, then, by force, for he is mad; 
I love him yet and would not leave him die. 

T-1 1 ^ Carlo 

1 hen haste. 

[Carlo, Filippo, and Jeronimo at- 
tempt to seize Grifonetto and force 
him away with them, hut Grifo- 
netto casts them off after a brief 
struggle, then lays his hand on his 
sword^ 

Grifonetto 
What, do you love me so, good cousins. 
That you would join me on that unknown road 
Which starts here at our feet, but whose dim end 
No man may ever see ? You would not, then ? 
Still is the journey easy. No thought given 
To gold or arms, for no one need have fear 
Of robbers by the way. And though in truth 
I never yet saw one who has returned. 
Men say the path lies smooth and gentlest dreams 
Beguile the traveller. 

Filippo 
Poor soul! 

Carlo 

Off, off! 
[141] 



THE BAGLIONI 

While we delay to hear this madman prate 
The minutes rush along. 

Jeronimo 

We'll be too late. 

FiLIPPO 

Farewell, Grifone! You have chosen your part. 
Whether 'tis best I know not after all! 

[Exeunt Jeronimo, Carlo, and Filippo, 
leaving Grifonetto alone, wrapped 
in thought.] 

Grifonetto 
Gone to the night of hell which nurtured them! 

[Pause. Sound of retreating hurried 
steps. Trumpets tn extreme distance. 
Grifonetto turns and stretches out 
his arms in supplication.] 

Ah, my Zenobia! Was there ever time 
Indeed when thy soft arms enfolded me ? 
When I awaked to thy caress, when love 
Lit all my nights and days .? Or was it then 
A passing fantasy, an empty wraith 
Of my poor doting brain ? Zenobia! 
Is there no smile for me, thy lover here ? 
No greetings for such care ineffable ? 

[H2] 



THE BAGLIONI 

No touch of thy dear hand, no look, no word ? 
Zenobia! It is I who call thee, I, 
Thy lover, Grifonetto! 

[Trumpets sound tn distance. Grifo- 
netto lets his outstretched arms fall 
helplessly to his side and hows his 
head. Trumpets sound again a little 
nearer. More trumpets, nearer^ 

'Tis the Baglioni! Marcantonio! All! 
There sound the brazen throats of Death! They 
come! 

[Passing hand over his brow as if to 
wipe out a stain.^ 
Ah, God! If I could tear this mother's curse 
Once from my brow. It presses there like iron! 
Then would I die as fits my chivalry. 
Fall fighting to the last, defying still 
My conquerors! Nay, by the Mass, Fll fight 
For fighting's sake, since all my honour's gone! 

[Draws sword.] 
Fight for the lust of blood, fight for a sport. 
Fight for a moment's life till Hfe is done! 

[More trumpets, much nearer. He con- 
ceals himself behind a column of 
the loggia as Marcantonio in full 
armour enters attended by bravi.] 

[143] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Marcantonio 
They have fled! 

{Calling.) Filippo! Guldo! Carlo! 
Art thou here Grifonetto ? 

Grifonetto {stepping from behind column) 

I am here. 
Come to atone at last 
For all thy sins and mine! 

Marcantonio {gazing at him and shaking his head) 

Go with God's peace; 
I will not slay thee, nor yet plunge my hand 
In mine own blood, as thou hast done in thine. 

Grifonetto 

Long since 
I should have gone, but that I waited here 
To see at last if you were still a man. 
Ah, yes! I know I am a traitor; but 
You are the thief who tore my living heart 
From out my breast. A murderer am I, 
But an adulterer art thou; my hands 
Are soaked in blood, yours in dishonour stained; 
Heaven knows alone who is the guiltier. 
Then, if you are a man, I say, stand forth 
And bid your hirelings keep their claws away. 
But, if you are a coward, as I think, 

[144] 



THE BAGLIONI 



Then reap the flaming harvest of the spark | 
That you have sown. I have only one sv^ord. 

I am alone. j 

Marcantonio 1 

No man has ever lived j 

To call me coward for a second time! \ 



Grifonetto 
Then bid your braves despatch me, and my corpse 
Shall shout it from its stiff and clenched teeth, 
And my dead Hps shall break through nature's laws 
To babble it upon the midnight winds! 
For if they kill me, all the time which runs 
Cannot wipe out your craven's name; no more 
Than aught but great oblivion can blot 
Away my crimes. My honour you have soiled. 
And started down its fated path that ball 
Of treachery and blood which still rolls on. 
Balked of a greater vengeance, it is left 
To catch you on the threshold of your wish. 
Had I fled, you'd have stood upon the right. 
Now choose. The cap of cowardice, or fight! 

Marcantonio 
I would not lose the pleasant praise of time, 
Nor the sweet joy of speeding on her way 
Your misspent soul for twenty tyrannies, 

[145] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Nor leave to hirelings that most pleasing task 
Of carving your hot heart out from its casque 
To bring a present to Zenobia, who, 
Even now fast following with joy upon 
The skirts of our returning victories, 
Waits safe within her mother's palace walls! 

Grifonetto 
Your Hps have spoken that name for the last time! 

[They fight. Grifonetto, besiJe him- 
self with rage and despair^ heats down 
Marcantonio's guard, and pierces 
him through the neck between the 
corslet and helmet. During the lulls 
tn the fighting, the chant of priests is 
heard from the Cathedral. As Marc- 
ANTONio fallsy hells ring furiously in 
distant towers. More trumpets are 
heard, and Simon etto rushes in with 
the main troop of hravi. As SiMO- 
NETTO and troop halt a moment in 
astonishment, Zenobia enters, cloaked 
and hooded as tn Act I . from door of 
Palazzo Puhlico upon the raised stair- 
way landing, from which she gazes 
down and perceives Grifonetto, 
alone, surrounded hy armed men.] 
[146] 



THE BAGLIONI 

Zenobia {with a cry) 
Grifonetto ! 

[Grifonetto looks up and sees Zeno- 
bia over the heads of his surrounding 
enemies^ 

Grifonetto 
Too late! 
Vengeance is done. There is naught left but death ! 

{Looking at his sword.) 
And 'tis dishonoured now, even my sword, 
Stained with the blood of my own race, and treachery. 
Go! No more lives shall fall beneath thy strokes. 
Enough have died! 

[Flings his sword into the fountain i\ 

Simon etto {to bravi) 

There stands the traitor! Kill! 

[Bravi surround Grifonetto and hew 
htm down. The deed is done, how- 
ever, in such a way as to conceal 
Grifonetto from the audience while 
he IS being killed, although Zenobia 
from the elevation of the stairway can 
see htm over the heads of the bravi 
who encircle him. While SiMO- 
NETTo's followers are thus over- 
[H7l 



THE BAGLIONI 

whelming their victirriy Zenobia 
rushes down the steps of the Palazzo 
Communale, reaching the square as 
the bravi draw aside, revealing the 
dead body of Grifonetto.] 

Zenobia 
Ah, Grifonetto! 

[She sinks on her knees by him, as in 
the great silence following the clash 
of weapons, the tinkle of the bell at 
the elevation of the Host within the 
Cathedral is heard.^ 

Simon ETTO (solemnly to bravi) 
Spoil not his body. All your work is done! 

[Distant chant of priests. During latter 
part of scene, growing moonlight has 
partly flooded and lighted the stage. 
The moon, however, is hidden behind 
the mass of the Cathedral.] 

CURTAIN. 



[148] 



OCT 8 19CS 



